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Co-chairing education review: Dr Kevin Donnelly.

The Abbott government's controversial review of the national curriculum has failed to reignite the culture wars as expected with its recommendations receiving widespread support across the country.

The review's primary finding - that the curriculum is overcrowded, especially in the primary school years - was backed by the federal Opposition, principals, Catholic and independent schools and the Victorian government.

Kate Ellis described some of Dr Donnelly's views as "extremely offensive, dangerous and extreme". Photo: Andrew Meares

The contentious "cross-curriculum priorities", which require sustainability, Australia's engagement with Asia, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures to be "embedded" in every subject, should only be taught where relevant, the review said.

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And it said the Australian Curriculum was "manifestly deficient" in its accommodation of students with a disability.

Other key recommendations of the review include:

A more explicit focus on literacy and numeracy in the early years of primary school;

A greater focus on phonics when teaching reading and the Western canon of literature;

Read more:
School review abates culture wars