MELBOURNE, 13 March 2026: A new Toolkit will support secondary schools in India to embed applied learning within mainstream education, drawing on research and expertise from India and Australia.
Tools for Applied Learning in Secondary Schools provides practical guidance for teachers and school leaders to embed applied learning across the secondary years, creating stronger connections between the classroom and the world beyond.
Answering to a question by SAT at the online launch, it was told that the tool kit was for any educational system in India – government, private/public or government-aided schools. IUt was also said at present the tool kit was in English only. But any school could download it for empowering secondary teachers. But what happens where schools do not have English-medium teaching, remains to be seen. It was emphasised the project was a beginning.
The Toolkit was co-designed by the Australia India Institute in partnership with the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, the International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore and the University of Melbourne, with funding from the Australian Government Department of Education.
Developed through a year-long cross-country consultation and research process, the initiative was guided by an expert Steering Committee and shaped through workshops and site visits with educators and institutions in India and Australia.
The project responds to India’s strong policy push to integrate vocational and skill-based subjects into the traditional curriculum under the National Education Policy 2020.
Australia India Institute CEO Lisa Singh said the project reflects the shared commitment of Australia and India to strengthening applied learning in schools.
“By working closely with partners across both countries, we have developed a practical and adaptable resource that supports schools to translate reform ambitions into classroom practice,” Ms Singh said.
“We hope this resource complements the strong work already taking place in schools, offering practical ideas that educators can draw on as they continue to strengthen applied learning in their contexts.
The Toolkit addresses five key elements essential to embedding applied learning sustainably:
- Building a supportive applied learning ecosystem
- Adapting curriculum to applied learning
- Strengthening pedagogy for applied learning
- Designing assessment for applied learning
- Growing partnerships with industry and community
Each element includes adaptable tools and resources, background notes informed by research from both countries, and curated links and references to support effective implementation.
The Federal Minister for Education, Hon. Jason Clare MP, welcomed the Toolkit saying it demonstrates the growing education partnership between India and Australia.
“Australia and India have very close education ties. We work together closely in all parts of education, from pre-school to PHDs. This is another example of what we can achieve together.”
