Retiring Blaxland High principal Nikki Tunica views the review of the NSW school curriculum as an "attack on the arts."
"It's saying maths and science rules. Maths and science is quite black and white," she said.
"A broad general education is about the whole child. In schools it needs to be broad and about the whole child."
She says the curriculum changes will not make a teacher's job any easier.
"Going back to the way things were doesn't acknowledge that things change. Going back is not the answer," Ms Tunica said.
The curriculum review proposes a "back to basics" approach, focusing on the fundamentals of maths, English and science.
It's intended to give teachers more time to concentrate on deep learning by reducing the hours teachers spend on non-essential learning and compliance requirements.
NSW Education Minister Rob Stokes said the entire curriculum from Kindergarten to Year 12 would be reviewed and will put businessman David Gonski's latest education report into practice.
Mr Stokes said NSW's curriculum review would examine the role of new technologies and teaching methods and would draw on the expertise of teachers to ensure they were supported.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the world had changed "rapidly" since the last comprehensive review in 1989 with these reforms providing greater focus on the basics including English, maths and science.
But Blue Mountains Labor MP Trish Doyle, a former teacher, was also critical of the review's aims.
"Gladys [Berejiklian] needs to listen to teachers, students and parents about the significance of subjects that provide a well-rounded education, and a flexibility within the curriculum that caters for all abilities and passions," Ms Doyle said.
"As a former teacher, I don't want to see any reform that narrows opportunities for students and their learning, especially when it comes to the creative arts.
"Any curriculum review must put the professional judgement of teachers at the forefront, and provide the necessary resources."
Pat Donohoe, the Blue Mountains organiser for the NSW Teachers Federation said: "Teachers have always valued a comprehensive curriculum that addresses the learning and development needs of the whole child.
"If the teaching profession is properly consulted in the process of developing and implementing a new curriculum and our schools are given the resources they need, then the arts will have a valued place in that curriculum."
- with AAP
