Western Australian Curriculum WACE Gets AIU Approval, To Launch In 100 Indian Schools

The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) has formally granted international board equivalency to the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE), a senior secondary curriculum recognised globally by the Western Australian government. Once approved, the WACE curriculum would be formally introduced in Indian schools, making it the first government-backed international school board in the nation.

WACE is considered a high-quality, reasonably priced substitute for the current international boards that provide K–12 instruction. Within the next three years, WACE hopes to onboard 100 Indian schools.  The School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA), a statutory authority of the Western Australian government, is responsible for administering the WACE program.

WACE has been providing education in more than 16 countries, including Singapore, China, Japan, and Malaysia, for more than 37 years. It is well known for its curriculum, which emphasises skill development, academic depth, and international university pathways. 

At the launch, Ms. Angelique Smith, Principal Consultant, School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA), Government of Western Australia, said, "We are proud to partner with Indian schools to offer a globally recognised curriculum that nurtures inquiry, adaptability, and academic excellence."

In keeping with the objectives of NEP 2020, which include promoting flexible and transdisciplinary learning, teacher professional development, and holistic education, WACE is thrilled to play a significant role in the Indian K–12 learning ecosystem.

Through a network of partner schools across India, SCSA will provide students with a unique identity number as part of this program. The Government of Western Australia issues all certifications.

WACE promotes learning through competency and inquiry, which is consistent with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 objective. It aims to promote critical thinking, creativity, and practical application by going beyond rote memorisation. By including school-based assessments, real-world projects, and moderated grading, the program also represents NEP's emphasis on holistic and formative assessment, which lessens test pressure while efficiently tracking learning results.

In keeping with NEP's demand for ongoing professional development and creative pedagogy in schools, SCSA will also make it possible for thorough teacher training and curricular assistance. About 30 teachers are participating in training sessions on WACE curriculum, teaching pedagogy and classroom delivery in Bangalore as part of the onboarding process for schools into WACE. 

Top universities in Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia employ the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR), which is awarded to WACE students. In addition to international admissions worldwide, the recognition of the AIU guarantees that Indian students who complete WACE can now apply to Indian universities with full Grade XII equivalency.