New Zealand history is to be made a mandatory part of the curriculum in all New Zealand schools by 2020. The announcement was made today by the nation’s Prime Minister Jacinta Ardern and Education Minister Chris Hipkins at a ceremony ...
More »Let’s commit to teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture beyond NAIDOC Week
Every July, Australia turns its attention to NAIDOC Week, an entire week dedicated to celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander achievements. This year’s theme of ‘Voice. Treaty. Truth.’ is an invaluable chance for First Nations People to express their desire ...
More »Should cursive still be taught in schools?
Remember getting your pen licence? That enshrined document among Australia’s school-going youth, marking the rite of passage from cheap scribbler to noble, professional scribe. Those endless hours spent painstakingly connecting one letter to another, sewing the alphabet into seamless elegance, ...
More »Youth unemployment can’t be fixed with NAPLAN: Mitchell Institute
A senate inquiry has heard that Gonski funding aside, schools aren't doing enough to prepare students for life. Victoria University's Mitchell Institute Director Megan O'Connell told the inquiry on the future of work that an intense focus on grades has led ...
More »Addressing ‘wicked problems’ in special education
A wicked problem, in academia, means a thorny one - one without an obvious solution. In the lead up to the International Day of People with a Disability, Dr David Armstrong has identified four of these in Western special education. ...
More »New HSC English syllabus gives teachers the shakes(peare)
It may be the HSC’s 50th birthday, but not everyone's celebrating. An English module called 'the craft of writing' will soon be mandatory for all year 12 students. In this back-to-basics approach, spelling, grammar and vocabulary are emphasised. On the flipside, context ...
More »NAPLAN to move online
Students will sit national exams online for the first time next year, with education ministers pushing for an investigation to assess the feasibility of bringing NAPALAN online as well. Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) assessment and reporting manager ...
More »NAPLAN not working, say teachers
The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy is failing to achieve its goals of improving literacy and numeracy among school children, a survey of teachers has found.
More »ACARA modifies sex education changes
Children from the age of 11 or 12 will be taught to “recognise sexual feelings” under a new national physical education curriculum.
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