High school students are protesting against One Nation. What’s the point if they can’t vote?
Hundreds of high school and university students are expected to skip classes today as part of a nationwide student walkout opposing Pauline Hanson and One Nation. Protest organisers the National Union of Students have billed it as a “fight against racism” and opportunity to “stand up against the far right” – pointing to the party’s […]
High school students are planning to protest tomorrow. This is how they can stay safe
FG Trade/Getty Images High school and university students around Australia will take time out of classes tomorrow to protest against Pauline Hanson and One Nation, with posters promoting the event calling on students to “stand up against the far right” and to “fight against racism”. The protests – planned for Melbourne, Sydney, Newcastle, Canberra, Brisbane, […]
The NAPLAN fine print we missed: the gap between advantaged and disadvantaged students is growing
Abstract Aerial Art/Getty Images Last week’s NAPLAN results landed with their usual media splash. There were headlines worrying about the significant proportions of students below certain benchmarks and specific questions about maths results for students in Year 3. One important element missing from the debate so far has been how students from disadvantaged backgrounds are […]
Education ministers are worried about technology use in schools. Should they be?
Thirdman/ Pexels Australia’s education ministers are increasingly asking if there is too much screen time in schools. Phones are already banned or restricted in every public school around the country. And Victoria has announced that from 2027 primary schools will cap classroom device use at 90 minutes a day in Years 3 to 6. Last […]
No degree is AI-proof. But delaying specialisation may offer students an edge
Getty Images Choosing a university degree has never been straightforward. Students and parents have always asked which courses and majors offer the best returns and lead to secure careers. But now the age of generative artificial intelligence, bringing powerful new tools such as ChatGPT and Claude, has made those decisions much more complex. In New […]
What do parents want when it comes to childcare safety? More information for a start
Kenneth Surillo/ Pexels In recent weeks we’ve seen more reports of alleged child sexual abuse involving a Sydney childcare worker. There have also been reports of children leaving a Melbourne kindergarten unnoticed and getting onto a busy street. Stories like these have sadly become a regular feature of the news cycle. And have once again […]
One in three students in years 7–9 show signs of school disengagement. What’s causing it?
Catherine Falls Commercial/Getty Images Starting high school can be an exciting time. Students meet new people, study new subjects and gain more independence. But for many, high school can also feel harder to manage. The Institute for Educational Reform reports about one in three Victorian students in years 7 to 9 show signs of disengagement […]
More than half of children and teens are using AI for personal reasons. This comes with risks
Beatriz Herrera/Getty Images New data released this week shows 54% of Australian children and teens are using artificial intelligence tools for personal and social reasons. That includes seeking advice on personal problems, talking about feelings, and experimenting with role play and flirting for teens. Navigating complex situations is a normal part of growing up. But […]
Australia’s Year 3 numeracy scores have ‘dipped’ – should we be concerned?
Jan van der Wolf/ Pexels The national NAPLAN results are in for 2026. Years 5, 7 and 9 saw their numeracy scores increase, however a reported “dip” in Year 3 results has raised alarm bells. The organisation that runs the NAPLAN test, described the results as “clearly concerning”. And Education Minister Jason Clare noted while […]
35% of Australian uni students are part-time. But higher ed is still geared towards full-timers
AJ_Watt/ Getty Images When we think of a traditional uni student, you might picture someone young who is studying full-time. Maybe they have some casual work, but their main occupation is being a student. Universities systems are certainly set up based on this assumption. This means processes, support and funding are skewed towards supporting full-time […]