As ACARA’s new Executive Director of Curriculum, Ms Kathryn Tully brings decades of experience and a commitment to equity, excellence and innovation to the work of shaping Australia’s national curriculum.
It’s been a few months now since I started in the role of Executive Director, Curriculum, and I’ve been reflecting on the journey that has led me here to the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA).
After more than three decades working across Queensland’s education sector, starting out as a secondary teacher and in various roles at the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) and the Queensland Department of Education, I’m honoured to contribute to ACARA’s national vision: to inspire improvement in the learning of all young Australians through world-class curriculum, assessment and reporting.
Curriculum has been at the heart of my career. It’s been my passion for many years. I’ve been fortunate to work on transformative projects focusing on students and teachers, supporting schools, and bringing innovative ideas to life. At QCAA, I led work supporting the implementation of the latest version of the Australian Curriculum. With a great team, we built a roadmap that placed students, teachers and schools at its heart. We focused on developing practical resources to support curriculum implementation, such as a new website and a planning app more than 20,000 Queensland teachers now use.
From this experience, I’ve learnt the importance of collaboration, innovation and having a clear and purposeful vision. These are lessons that I carry with me to ACARA.
Collaboration is key
Taking on this role felt like a natural progression. I’m excited to step into a position that can help shape curriculum at a national level. ACARA’s national role is both a privilege and a responsibility. We develop and maintain the Australian Curriculum, lead the National Assessment Program, and publish data that enables evidence-based decision-making across the country.
But none of this work matters unless it makes a difference where it counts most: in our classrooms. For me, success means supporting our dedicated ACARA team while engaging deeply with the people we serve. That means building trust, forming authentic partnerships and genuinely engaging with the full range of stakeholders in education including teachers, system leaders, school principals, parents, carers and students.
To develop a world-class curriculum, those voices must be heard and reflected in everything we do.
This collaboration is also key for ACARA in ensuring the latest version of the Australian Curriculum is understood and embedded confidently by teachers. I appreciate the current demands on classroom educators and recognise the value of great curriculum materials. I believe we have an opportunity and responsibility to work with jurisdictions to support further the assistance we offer, reduce duplication of effort, and help every teacher feel equipped to bring the curriculum to life.
Innovation grounded in practice
Technological change is reshaping how we live, work and learn. Artificial intelligence, virtual learning, and smart planning tools are now part of everyday learning. During my time in Queensland’s Department of Education, I helped deliver a digital innovation plan, digital resources and capability development and an AI tool for students and teachers.
Tools like this offer real benefits for time-poor educators. The potential for AI to assist in planning teaching, learning and assessment are significant. At ACARA, we’re also exploring how to capitalise on the potential of new and emerging technologies.
Innovation is about identifying what works, creating something new and embedding it thoughtfully to ensure it adds value. I believe the best innovations are born from listening to what teachers need and then co-designing solutions with them.
Looking ahead
Knowledge and therefore curriculum aren’t static. They evolve, and over time teachers innovate. So, if you’re passionate about curriculum, get involved. Engage with ACARA, contribute to the work within your state or territory, or through professional networks. Your voices help to shape what students learn now and in the future.
For me, the curriculum is far more than a document. It’s the foundation of what happens in every classroom, every day, across the country. And getting it right means delivering a document that supports teachers to effectively plan teaching and learning and give every student the chance to be the best they can be. And that’s why I’m excited for what lies ahead.
