Schools
Why small class sizes may not be a big deal for students
Class sizes may exert some influence on parents’ choice of one school over another, but experts say the latest data shows smaller class do not necessarily increase academic performance.
- by Madeleine Heffernan
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Teaching
‘Wake-up call’: Give teachers a 15 per cent pay rise, inquiry says
A NSW Teachers Federation inquiry has called for a 10 to 15 per cent pay rise for teachers, saying low pay is dangerous to the quality of education in public schools.
- by Jordan Baker
Queensland teachers should be bumped up COVID vaccination schedule: union
Education Minister Grace Grace has again not ruled out making COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory for Queensland teachers and students.
- by Felicity Caldwell
Compulsory classes recommended to improve democracy and civic engagement
A Senate committee has recommended more time teaching Australian values and Indigenous history to improve a ‘disturbingly low’ level of civic engagement and debate.
- by Rob Harris
Australia needs national COVID-19 schools plan, experts say
Schools should be the last venues to close and the first to open in future outbreaks, say the authors of a report into COVID-19 in Victoria’s early learning centres and schools.
- by Madeleine Heffernan
Why a Perth mother pulled her children from a public school to pay more than $200,000 in fees
The emphasis private schools put on a student’s wellbeing is why Danielle Loizou-Lake is prepared to pay more than $200,000 for her daughters’ primary and secondary education at one of Perth’s most prestigious colleges.
- by Lauren Pilat
Money can’t buy good grades, state-wide NAPLAN data reveals
A new tool compares NAPLAN data by suburbs rather than by schools, and shows more money does not always lead to better outcomes.
- by Jordan Baker and Nigel Gladstone
Demountable after-school care ‘hubs’ rolled out to create more places for students
The “hubs” - which will have play space, offices, toilets and kitchens - will cater for between 45 and 60 students per session.
- by Jordan Baker
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Education
NSW dumps education proposal to let students progress at their own pace
The plan grew from concern students were moving ahead without mastering key skills, but the government will instead reduce syllabus content to give teachers more flexibility to help students falling behind in their class.
- by Jordan Baker
‘Trying to decide what happens next’: Year 13 to help graduates after leaving school
Experts warn mental health initiatives at schools must be paired with long-term strategies and links to health professionals.
- by Natassia Chrysanthos
‘There’s barely space for kids to play’: One year after it opened, this Sydney school has 13 demountables
Last year, when a brand new school Gledswood Hills Public opened in Sydney’s south-west, there were eight kindergarten classes. This year there were 12.
- by Jordan Baker and Nigel Gladstone