Active zones and mini retreats – how to build preschools suitable for neurodivergent kids
Natalia Lebedinskaia/ Getty Images An estimated 15–20% of children are neurodivergent, with diagnoses rising each year. They may have a neurodevelopmental condition such as autism or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. We know many neurodivergent children experience sensory information differently from their peers. So the spaces they learn in can strongly influence their comfort, participation and inclusion in […]
It’s end-of-year concert season. Why do some kids struggle with performance anxiety?
Yan Krukov/ Pexels End-of-year school concerts showcase children’s talents and hard work, often filling performers with pride. But for some, the idea of performing live is terrifying. Performance anxiety, also known as glossophobia or stage fright – can manifest in ways that range from excitement or mild discomfort, such as tummy butterflies, to severe physical […]
Is the focus on NAPLAN’s ‘top’ schools a good idea?
On Wednesday, the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority released the school-level results for this year’s NAPLAN tests. This reporting includes scores for years 3, 5, 7 and 9 across literacy and numeracy. Parents received children’s individual reports in July. Now we can see how individual schools performed. Parents and the community can see how […]
Adults like to talk about ‘big school’. This can make the change seem scary for some children
Starting school is a time of great anticipation and excitement for young children and families. The buildup can last for months as children go to orientation days, and families prepare with new uniforms, bags and lunch boxes. Significant adults in the child’s life are eager to celebrate this time. As anticipation builds, excited adults often […]
What makes a healthy and safe boarding school culture?
Nick David/ Getty Images Last week, police confirmed four students at Victorian boarding school Ballarat Grammar had been cautioned over a series of “strappings” of younger students. This followed other allegations of hazings and abuse at the school, which emerged earlier this year. Some of these dated back decades. Last month, the Victorian Registration and […]
Should anti-bullying approaches encourage kids to be ‘upstanders’? The evidence is not clear
Wander Women Collective/ Getty Images School bullying is one of the most serious issues facing Australian schools. Students who are bullied can be left psychologically and emotionally devastated for years afterwards. Last month, the federal government released the results of a rapid review into bullying. Among the recommendations, it encouraged schools to mobilise students to […]
Australian students spend more time learning to write on paper than computers – does this need to change?
Vlad Deep/ Unsplash Writing using computers is a vital life skill. We are constantly texting, posting, blogging and emailing. This is a huge change for schools when it comes to teaching writing. For students, learning how to write on a computer is crucial. National literacy tests are now administered online in many countries, including Australia’s […]
‘The main thing you’ve got is TikTok’: how the social media ban could harm African diaspora youth
Cottonbro Studios/ Pexels The Australian government’s social media ban will begin in about two weeks. From December 10, those under 16 will no longer be able to have personal accounts on sites such as YouTube, TikTok and Instagram. They will still be able to see publicly accessible content. A lot of the debate around this […]
NZ’s draft science curriculum favours rote learning over critical thinking
Getty Images New Zealand’s draft science curriculum, released last month, promises to advance “knowledge-rich” learning. But the term remains only loosely defined and the curriculum fails to appreciate the importance of teaching students critical thinking in science. Research and practice over the past several decades have revealed that a truly knowledge-rich science curriculum encompasses multiple […]
‘Full-service schools’ redefine how education works. Here’s why Australia needs them
Inequality is one of the most urgent challenges facing Australian schools. For decades, governments have invested billions of dollars in schools with the promise every child should have the opportunity to succeed. But clear divides remain between advantaged and disadvantaged students. For example, in 2024, the average attendance rate of students in Australia’s most disadvantaged […]