Assembly Members - attention - Carolyn Hartnett
 
As you would know, the teaching of English grammar is a function of the
Australian State Parliaments.
 
In New South Wales, as you mentioned, a conservative government adopted, in
1995, the primary school teaching of Functional Grammar.   This was known as
'K-6 English'.   Following the change of Government in February of 1996,
moves were begun to revert to Traditional Grammar, which took place in the
second semester 1996. (The private Catholic schools had not adopted
Functional Grammar.)
 
The bragging you heard was caused by some Australians claiming Australia as
the world centre for Functional Grammar.   This came about through
Australia's association with Michael Halliday who was, in 1975, foundation
professor of linguistics at Sydney University.
 
The antagonism you mentioned, from parents, officials, unions and teachers,
won the day.   We have happily readopted the Latinate terms of noun, verb, etc.
 
Kind regards, Donald Hocking.
.
 
 
Donald Hocking
Procedural & Protocol Consultant
<http://www.ozemail.com.au/~donaldh/art0.htm>