The Western Australian Curriculum Conference, hosted by Western Australian Certification International (WACI) in collaboration with the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA) International, concluded in the capital with a strong message—India is ready to embrace world-class, competency-based education that balances academic excellence with student wellbeing in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Held recently in New Delhi, the event brought together education policymakers, senior school leaders, and international experts to explore how the Western Australian Curriculum (K–10) and the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) could be integrated within Indian schools. Attendees included representatives from Modern School, Barakhamba Road; KR Mangalam World School; Manav Rachna University, Faridabad; and Ryan International School, among others.

Global Curriculum, Local Relevance

The Western Australian Curriculum is globally respected for its emphasis on inquiry-driven learning, measurable standards, and holistic development. Discussions at the conference highlighted how its values of critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and student wellbeing align with NEP 2020’s vision for Indian education.

WACE, an internationally recognised senior secondary qualification, has already been granted equivalence by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). This ensures Indian students completing WACE can pursue higher studies seamlessly in India as well as at top universities worldwide—an advantage that drew considerable attention from school leaders.

Voices from India and Australia

Delivering the keynote, George Thiveos, Minister Counsellor (Education and Research) at the Australian High Commission in New Delhi, underlined the importance of collaboration between the two nations.

“The rollout of Western Australia's school curriculum strengthens choices for students and families and reflects growing trust between our nations,” he said. “Indian students will benefit from access to international standards of learning right at home.”

Jodie Matthews, Principal Consultant – International Education, Department of Education, Western Australia, spoke about the program’s focus on academic rigour, wellbeing, and future-ready skills. “By implementing the Western Australian Curriculum, Indian partner schools can help students evolve as global citizens,” she said.

From an Indian perspective, Sh. Ashok Ganguly, former CBSE Chairman, pointed to the synergy between global curricula and India’s education reforms. “By blending proven international models with India’s academic ethos, we can raise standards, encourage innovation, and build a truly world-class education system,” he remarked.

WACI’s Commitment to Indian Students

Pidet Sen, Founder of WACI and Managing Director of SpringBoard4Education, shared his long-term vision: “Recognising the immense potential of Indian students, I am committed to expanding access to affordable international education in India. To support this, WACI will sponsor two students every year to pursue a three-year Bachelor’s degree in Western Australia.”

Preparing India for Future-Ready Education

Panel discussions at the conference focused on integrating best practices into Indian classrooms—ranging from competency-driven assessments and multidisciplinary learning to the transformative role of teacher training. School leaders particularly welcomed the balanced approach of the Western Australian Curriculum, which blends academic rigour with creativity, innovation, and personal growth.

The conference concluded with consensus that AIU recognition of WACE, coupled with alignment to NEP 2020, places Indian schools in a unique position to deliver global qualifications while strengthening national priorities.

As interest from leading schools continues to grow, the Western Australian Curriculum Conference has set a benchmark for international collaboration in education—bringing India closer to a flexible, inclusive, and globally competitive learning ecosystem that prioritises both excellence and student wellbeing.