The messaging surrounding school closures has justifiably been characterised as mixed, with some independent schools closing their doors while others (mainly in the public system) remain open for students of essential workers and those with special learning requirements. Whichever way ...
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No ‘Year 13’ as unis develop alternative assessments for next year’s intake
Education Minister Dan Tehan has made an assurance that all Australian students will graduate with an ATAR this year, despite the multitude of disruptions and uncertainty brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the decision to not entertain a Year ...
More »‘Unsung teaching heroes’ come together via Twitter to keep learning alive at home
Despite plunges in school attendance and concerns over teachers’ wellbeing brought about by COVID-19, some inspirational teachers have taken to Twitter to share valuable ideas, resources and coping mechanisms. Indeed, the importance of teachers in the community was recognised last weeks. ...
More »Mental health expert offers top tips for 2020’s Year 12 students
Year 12 is a stressful period that’s jam-packed with content and finishes quite early in the year. Usually this is problematic enough, but with COVID-19 continuing to significantly complicate the education sector, this year will be particularly challenging for graduating ...
More »Independent schools union calls for ‘immediate stop’ to stand downs without pay
The Independent Education Union of Australia (IEUA) has been told that a small number of independent schools are considering standing down support staff without pay in Term 2 due to COVID-19’s fallout. However, the union is resolutely calling for the ...
More »Expert says direct instruction should not be the only method: response to NSW education inquiry
The recent parliamentary inquiry into the state of NSW's education system painted a grim picture and put forward over 60 recommendations – including making direct explicit instruction mandatory and using school inspectors to assess teachers in the classroom without prior notice. ...
More »New book illuminates ‘how learning happens’ and highlights counterproductive strategies
Twenty-eight “giants” of educational research have combined their findings on how students learn best and how teachers can encourage students to learn efficiently, enjoyably and effectively. The book, How Learning Happens: Seminal Works in Educational Psychology and What They Mean in ...
More »2019 NAPLAN Report: CEO hopeful of a turnaround in writing achievement
The latest NAPLAN National Report shows there have been gains made in several domains and year levels, most importantly in writing. “At the national level, compared to 2008, the performance of Australian students in Year 5 numeracy, Years 3 and ...
More »Getting down and dirty: research suggests nature provides the best type of play
Risk-averse, plastic play spaces might soon become a thing of the past as new research has found that ‘nature play’ delivers a host of benefits to young children. Researchers at The University of South Australia conducted world's systematic review of ...
More »Australian Principals Federation president says abusive parents get ‘a slap on the wrist’
The president of the Australian Principals Federation, Julie Podbury, is calling for more respect from parents towards school staff and believes abusive parents should face the full force of the law. Podbury’s comments were made on ABC Radio’s Mornings and followed ...
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