Curriculum Development and Design - Practical Australian Guide

Our review of Curriculum Development and Design finds it to be a practical, classroom-focused resource for educators who need a clear, structured approach to building curriculum in Australian schools. The book's single biggest reason to buy is its model-driven organisation: chapters follow a coherent curriculum development model that makes the theoretical process immediately usable in day-to-day planning. For teachers and curriculum coordinators seeking a hands-on reference grounded in the realities of school systems, this book delivers straightforward guidance without academic excess.

Key Features

• Model-led structure: Chapters follow a clear curriculum development model so readers can apply each step systematically in school planning.
• Practical focus: The text emphasises actionable curriculum skills that teachers can use to improve unit planning and lesson design.
• Australian context: Examples and guidance are framed for Australian schools and educational systems, making relevance immediate for local readers.
• Comprehensive elements: The book covers situational analysis, intent, content and learning activities so developers see how each element connects in practice.
• Accessible presentation: Chapters are organised to familiarise readers gradually with complex ideas, helping novices build confidence in curriculum work.

Who It's For

This book is best for classroom teachers, curriculum coordinators and teacher-educators working within Australian schools who want a practical, model-based method for designing and developing curriculum. It suits those who prefer a structured, step-by-step approach rather than abstract theory.

Those looking for an international comparative text, a deep theoretical treatise, or specialised subject-specific curriculum examples may need a complementary resource, as this volume focuses on a broadly applicable, school-level model rather than exhaustive subject-specific content.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clear model-based chapters make the curriculum process easier to apply in real school settings.
• Practical emphasis helps teachers develop usable units and lesson activities rather than just theory.
• Australian orientation ensures examples and application align with local school demands.

Cons

• Not a subject-specific manual, so readers seeking detailed content for one discipline may need additional materials.

Specifications

Title	Curriculum Development and Design
Author / Brand	Murray Print
Scope	Practical curriculum development model for schools
Geographic focus	Australian educational context
Main topics	Situational analysis; intent; content; learning activities
Intended audience	Teachers, curriculum developers, school leaders

Our Verdict

Curriculum Development and Design is a solid, practical guide for Australian teachers and curriculum coordinators who want a usable model for planning and development. Its strength is in translating the curriculum process into a stepwise structure that supports everyday school practice, making it good value for educators who prioritise applicability over theoretical depth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book suitable for new teachers?
Yes. The model-driven presentation and practical focus make it accessible to new teachers learning to organise curriculum planning.

Does it include subject-specific curriculum examples?
It addresses general curriculum elements rather than detailed subject-specific units, so additional subject resources may be useful.

Is the guidance relevant outside Australia?
Many concepts are broadly applicable, but the examples and system references are tailored to Australian schools.