Pressworthy - our pick of the latest news in brief
Gillard wins King’s accoladeSep 16, 2016 | Pressworthy 
Former prime minister Julia Gillard
Former prime minister Julia Gillard has been appointed visiting professor at London's prestigious King's College, London - ranked the world’s seventh best university*.
The former Labor leader and education minister will join King's policy institute and the Menzies Centre for Australian Studies, adding to her international commitments with the Centre for Universal Education at Washington DC's Brookings Institution and as chair of the Global Partnership for Education. "I am very honoured to be appointed by King's College as a visiting professor in 2016," Ms Gillard said in a statement. "I look forward with great enthusiasm to substantive academic engagement with the students and faculty at King's, and to contributing to meaningful discussion of issues of importance to society and the world." King's College president and principal Professor Ed Byrne said: "Julia brings the most incredible wealth of experience, as well as important insights of the education systems both here and in Australia. "She is a great champion for equal opportunity and excellent education, an ethos we share here at King's." *QS rankings 2016/17 Alice has rubbish solutionSep 16, 2016 | Pressworthy 
A Charles Darwin University postgraduate student is lobbying Alice Springs Town Council for a kerbside recycling service which she says could reduce landfill in the Red Centre by 3400 tonnes a year.
Masters student Rachel O’Leary has spent seven years studying the viability of the scheme. She said: “About 33 per cent of the waste that is discarded by households is recyclable and a further 38 per cent is compostable.” She conducted extensive household waste audits to estimate recyclable yields and interviewed local businesses about waste and recycling attitudes. The research found that even when environmental costs of transportation were factored in, a kerbside recycling service would be of net benefit. “We can be confident that the environmental gains of recycling in Alice Springs outweigh the costs and that implementing such a service would help government achieve its target of reducing the Territory’s waste to landfill by 50 per cent by 2020,” she said. Learning about disability kidsSep 16, 2016 | Pressworthy 
Queensland education minister Kate Jones has announced a review of education provision for the state’s disabled students.
Deloitte Access Economics will examine current policies and practices through an online survey and all state school principals will be asked for feedback, along with disabled students, their families and carers, teachers and teacher aides. Angela Tillmanns, CEO of support and advocacy group CPL said: "We welcome this review, because children with disabilities can often be left behind." Learning to communicate could be a long, complex and costly process for students with a disability, she said. Ms Jones said: "The review will take an honest look at what we are doing well and areas in which the department can better support teachers." The government expects a report by the end of the year. Art from the heartAug 26, 2016 | Pressworthy 
A former student has bequeathed $8 million to the University of Queensland to give rural students greater access to the arts.
Paula Kinnane, who graduated from UQ with a Bachelor of Arts in 1991, spent much of her married life in regional mining towns with her late husband Tony and was passionate about the arts and giving back to those communities. The gift to the university’s school of music and art museum will benefit all students but will particularly targets rural students. UQ art museum director Dr Campbell Gray said: “Paula requested that we build capacity in regional galleries and we have already begun to research ways that this might occur to the greatest benefit - a challenge we embrace with energy. “Members of the UQ Art Museum will begin discussions with regional galleries and museum leaders to determine what shape and form capacity-building programs in the regions could take to deliver the greatest benefit.” The bequest also extends to the school of music, where it will fund scholarships and building on the school’s partnership with the Queensland Music Festival. Professor Margaret Barrett said: “We will take a small group of students to the annual band camp in July to work with and tutor indigenous children. “The bequest will provide the funds for such travel, which we believes brings a great deal of cross-cultural interaction with regional Queensland.” World-leading solar schemeAug 26, 2016 | Pressworthy 
A world-leading solar project in far north Queensland will combine big battery storage and solar energy to supply power to the town of Lakeland.
The Government-funded Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is providing $17.4 million to Conergy to build and run the solar photovoltaic plant with lithium-ion battery storage. The project is the first in ARENA’s push to deploy large-scale solar plants across Australia. The agency will work with Conergy, one of the world’s largest downstream solar companies, on the project - with support from BHP Billiton, Ergon Energy and Origin Energy. “Figuring out how solar PV and battery storage technologies best work together at a large scale will be crucial for helping more renewables enter our grids,” ARENA’s CEO Ivor Frischknecht said. “This plant will generate and store enough renewable energy to power more than 3000 homes and create up to 60 jobs in the Lakeland region during construction.” The project will be the first in the world to test a concept known as ‘islanding’ from the main electricity grid, with Lakeland powered solely by solar and batteries for several hours during the tests. The $42.5 million is due for completion by April 2017. Weird and wonderful winnersAug 26, 2016 | Pressworthy 
D-printed jaw joints, termite-proof foam and recycled chip fat feature in the latest new designs to win a share of $11.3 million in funding from the Government’s Entrepreneurs Program.
Projects from all over Australia are considered for funding under the scheme, with the latest run attracting grants ranging from $213,000 to $1 million, matched dollar-for-dollar by recipients. The program has so far provided $78.1 million to 146 businesses to help get products off the ground or into new national and international markets. The grants help businesses with development and commercialisation activities like product trials, licensing, and manufacturing scale. A full list of recipients can be found at business.gov.au/ac funding offers. Business boosting uni researchAug 17, 2016 | Pressworthy 
Australia's universities are seeing rapid growth in research funding from the business sector as companies look to take advantage of the nation’s top minds.
University of Sydney's deputy vice-chancellor Duncan Ivison told The Australian Financial Review the university had more than doubled its contract research funds over three years to $71 million in 2015, with strong growth continuing through partnerships with firms like Rio Tinto and Microsoft. UNSW Australia has also seen the value of industry research jump sharply this year through its deal with the Chinese government to build an innovation precinct in Sydney. Research contracts worth $30 million from Chinese companies include funding for projects increasing the efficiency of powerline transmission, and photovoltaic research to improve efficiency of solar cells. UNSW's deputy vice-chancellor Brian Boyle says he expected new research contracts worth some $20 million to be signed off in coming months. The University of Queensland recorded strong growth in 2015, with investment from Australian business growing 15 per cent to $41.5 million last year, while research money from overseas grew by 37 per cent to $50 million in that year. Monash University said it was seeing growth of about 10 per cent a year in research investment from industry, although spokesman Alastair Hick said the lack of large multi-national companies based in Australia was a challenge to attracting greater investment. CDU wins international kudosAug 17, 2016 | Pressworthy 
An international report has identified the Northern Territory’s Charles Darwin University as a “rising star” among an elite group of 20 universities, with the potential to become globally influential by 2030.
The report released this month by UK higher education consultant Firetail lists a set of fast-improving global universities it calls “the Class of 2030”. Universities described as “ambitious and fast-improving” were best placed to take advantage of global trends that created unique opportunities for innovation, the report said. Vice-Chancellor Professor Simon Maddocks said: “Naturally I’m delighted to hear that we feature strongly in an independent report that has cast its gaze around the world and into the future. “They note that the rising class of 2030 will balance long-term vision with short-term execution, linked by strong management and culture.” Earlier this year Charles Darwin University was ranked in 31st place on the Times Higher Education rankings of the world’s ‘Top 150 Universities Under 50 years of age’. Media, misconceptions hurt IndonesiaAug 17, 2016 | Pressworthy 
Indonesians think highly of Australia - but according to a new report, the feeling isn't mutual.
A Monash University report commissioned by its Australia-Indonesia Centre surveyed 2000 Australians and found almost half viewed Indonesia unfavourably. It found Indonesians were overwhelmingly positive, despite some negative perceptions of tourists in Bali, with 87 per cent of 2103 Indonesians interviewed saying they had a very or somewhat favourable view of Australia. More than 80 per cent said it was prosperous, progressive, beautiful, highly educated and clean, with a strong economy and praised Australia's education system and high-quality produce such as beef, milk and wheat. However 47 per cent of Australians had somewhat or very unfavourable views of Indonesia, and more than half considered it unsafe and unclean. Impressions of Indonesia were formed around media stories about illegal boats, terrorism, executions and the live cattle trade. The research revealed misconceptions by Australians over the nature of Islam in Indonesia - and a "stark lack of basic knowledge about the country". Toilet push causes stinkAug 17, 2016 | Pressworthy 
A plan to install gender-neutral bathrooms in Australian schools has been proposed by a group of academics from Flinders University.
The group says the addition of the bathrooms across the country would 'create inclusive whole school ¬cultures' in line with the Safe Schools initiative’s pro-diversity stance. Clare Bartholomaeus, Damien Riggs and Yarrow ¬Andrew, who conducted a study into the Safe Schools program, have also called for ¬resources about gender diversity to be made available to preschool, primary and secondary students. They recommend South Australia’s education department redesigns bathrooms in schools. Gender-neutral bathrooms have sparked controversy in the US, with 11 states currently suing the Obama administration over its directive to U.S. public schools to let transgender students use the bathrooms and locker rooms that match their gender identity. |
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Hope predicts school successAug 11, 2016 | Pressworthy 
A poll of 11,000 Australian students ranging from Years 5 to 12 has found that just 48 per cent are hopeful for the future, 59 per cent are engaged with their studies, and 63 per cent are "thriving" in terms of their wellbeing.
Gallup's Australian Student Poll focused on the three measures rather than traditional literacy and numeracy indicators because US research shows students' levels of hope are better predictors of academic success than intelligence, personality or even previous exam results. The poll comes as debate rages over a plateauing of the NAPLAN results for 2106, with Gallup spokesperson Anne Lingafelter saying: “When the needle doesn't move on results, we have to ask if all the factors that matter are being addressed. “What's the impact of these non-cognitive measures on academic outcomes which are not being measured in a widespread way?" The poll shows a strong decline in student engagement from Year 5 to Year 12, with Year 5 students 74 per cent engaged, dropping to 52 per cent by Year 12. Gallup says schools need to “focus on the strengths of each individual" to ensure hope levels don’t drop for students in higher grades. No requirement for mathsAug 11, 2016 | Pressworthy 
Victorian students will not be made to undertake Year 12 maths, the state government has revealed.
State education minister James Merlino says the government wants to encourage creativity and critical thinking but doesn't think it's "particularly right" for subjects to be forced on final year students. NSW last month joined Western Australia in setting a minimum numeracy standard for Year 12 students graduating high school. Victoria only requires students pass English in Years 11 and 12. State opposition spokesman Nick Wakeling said the Labor government should “Stop focusing on implementing ideological programs like Safe Schools and start focusing on the basics such as numeracy and literacy”. Six figure salary boostAug 11, 2016 | Pressworthy 
Top teachers in Queensland will be paid $101,000 a year after reaching a new enterprise bargaining agreement with the state government.
Under a new three-year agreement finalised today, 40,000 experienced classroom teachers, heads of programs, school principals and deputy principals will get the pay jump. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said: "Our teachers do an outstanding job in ensuring students receive a quality education. "Until now, Queensland teachers could only earn more than $100,000 a year by taking their experience and expertise outside of the classroom. "We want to encourage teachers to stay in the classroom to use their experience and expertise to ensure Queensland students get a quality education." The pay increase was negotiated with the Queensland Teachers Union. Pay for classroom teachers in New South Wales is capped at $95,466, but they can apply for a merit-based accreditation which entitles them to an annual salary of $101,614. Teachers aceing their testsAug 11, 2016 | Pressworthy 
Of more than 3,000 wannabe teachers who sat the most recent round of the Government’s new mandatory literacy and numeracy tests, 94.5 per cent met the standard for the literacy component and 93.1 per cent met the standard for the numeracy component.
Federal education minister Simon Birmingham said the results were “extremely encouraging”. “Skilled teachers are essential to lifting student outcomes and this test will ensure we have educators in our classrooms with strong personal literacy and numeracy skills,” he said. “Today’s results are an improvement on the voluntary trial that was run last year and shows through this ‘laser focus’ on literacy and numeracy that our new teachers are graduating with better skills that they’ll then be able to pass on to students to lift the education outcomes of future generations.” Minister Birmingham has written to all state education ministers and relevant university vice-chancellors urging them to promote completion of the test after it was revealed some states still have hundreds of teaching students close to graduation but yet to complete the tasks. |
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Cutting edge cruelty claimsAug 01, 2016 | Pressworthy 
Deakin University student Alexandra Sedgwick will this week launch a campaign against animal experimentation by Australian universities, backed by international activist group PETA (People for the ethical treatment of animals).
The biology and chemistry student will initially focus on Deakin’s practices, meeting with Trevor Day, executive dean of the science, engineering and environment faculty, to lobby for the use of digital-dissection software and human simulators instead of real animal subjects. Kittens, greyhounds, rats and marmosets are among the animals on which Australian university experiments were legally performed over the past three years - with practices ranging from rendering them deaf and giving them dental implants to subjecting them to chronic stress. All were killed following the processes. While the practice of using live animals to teach surgical skills is winding down in the US, Australian government figures show that more than six million animals are being used every year in Australia for medical research, experiments and surgical skills training. A recent petition by PETA lobbying the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons to stop using live animals in training courses gathered some 104,000 signatures. $250,000 Tassie school reviewAug 01, 2016 | Pressworthy 
The Tasmanian government will spend $250,000 on an independent review of the state’s school and vocational education for year 9-12 students in an effort to boost retention and attainment levels which sit among the lowest in Australia.
The Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) has been awarded the contract to review data and curriculum development and delivery in the three Tasmanian education sectors - the Department of Education, Independent Schools Tasmania and Tasmanian Catholic Education Office. As part of the review, a report including recommendations on areas of focus will be provided to state education minister Jeremy Rockliff by the end of the year. Three Aussie unis on world ‘most improved’ listAug 01, 2016 | Pressworthy 
Three Australian universities have been named in the world’s top 100 most improved academic institutions.
The Nature Index, published in the science journal Nature, analyses the research of more than 8,000 institutions in 150 countries, with the top 100 most improved institutions ranked by the increase in their contribution to high-quality journals. It has judged the University of NSW (52nd), the University of Queensland (58th) and Curtin University (94th) as educators to watch following their rise in the rankings between 2012 and 2015. WA’s Curtin increased its contribution to high quality journals by more than 80% over the four years. Earlier this year, Australia was placed 12th globally by Nature for its contribution to high-quality scientific research papers. Nine of the top ten institutions on the ‘most improved’ list are Chinese. |
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Arts school merger gets the brush offJul 29, 2016 | Pressworthy 
Sydney University has ditched controversial plans to merge its School of the Arts with the University of NSW School of Art & Design and the independent National Art School.
USYD vice-chancellor Michael Spence cited a lack of consensus on a vision for the proposed centre. The backflip follows public opposition from a stellar list of Sydney’s cultural leaders and former students, including film director Jane Campion and actor Hugo Weaving. The National Art School friends group also opposed the move, with president Bernadette Mansfield previously stating: “It is inevitable that the larger academic culture will swamp the school and many, many, talented students will miss out.” USYD’s School of the Arts will instead become a part of the arts and social sciences faculty and begin a move to the university’s Camperdown campus in 2017. Dr Spence said USYD would consider taking a role in creating any future centre of excellence, but conceded the university’s priority “must be to secure and to develop the strengths of the SCA”. Brains poached for neuroscienceJul 29, 2016 | Pressworthy 
Not content with pulling the plug on their arts school merger, The University of Sydney is poaching several high-profile neuroscience researchers from the University of NSW.
Glenda Halliday, John Hodges and Olivier ¬Piguet will be the first three of several academics to leave UNSW for Sydney University’s Brain and Mind Centre in a rare case of poaching among the prestigious Group of Eight universities. Professor Halliday is a top specialist in the area of pathology of neurodegenerative diseases, while Professor Hodges is a former lecturer in behaviour neurology at the University of Cambridge. A University of Sydney spokeswoman confirmed the move to The Australian newspaper, saying: “The Brain and Mind Centre is well-placed to support their innovative programs in dementia and degenerative brain diseases.” It’s believed more appointments are being negotiated after UNSW academics approached USYD to work at the cutting-edge research facility opened by NSW premier Mike Baird a year ago. Rodney Phillips, dean of UNSW medicine, told The Australian the departure of the three researchers was “regrettable”. “But it is commonplace for high-quality research groups to move to new institutions from time to time,” he conceded. ANU turns 70 with big partyJul 29, 2016 | Pressworthy 
The Australian National University will mark its 70th birthday on 1 August with a party for more than 2,000 staff, students and alumni.
The Canberra university’s former members will join current students and staff to reflect on the role the university has played in Australia since it was established in 1946. Vice-chancellor Brian Schmidt and chancellor Gareth Evans will host the official birthday ceremony at Llewellyn Hall, which will be followed by the cutting (and eating) of a giant birthday cake and free sausage sizzle. Many happy returns from the Learning Press - and can you please save us a slice, ANU powers-that-be? |
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Teacher texts to parents fuel higher student achievement than music lessons and tutoring, new study findsJul 21, 2016 | Pressworthy 
A UK study has found texting parents about their child’s homework leads to better academic improvement than music lessons, joining the Scouts or internet tutoring.
Year-long trials funded by the Educational Endowment Foundation found weekly texts to parents about upcoming tests, missing homework and subject updates led to the equivalent of one month’s progress in maths and small improvements in English - although the latter had to be discounted because of missing data. A project run by Manchester’s Hallé Orchestra, using qualified teachers to give out-of-school music lessons to children, resulted in no improvement in academic ability over the course of a year, although it did lead to improved social skills. Evaluators also found that one-to-one tutoring of pupils over the internet by trained maths graduates in India and Sri Lanka had no impact on their maths results. The texting trial involved 15,700 students in years 7, 9 and 11 at 36 secondary schools. It found a reduction in absenteeism of an average of half a day per year among the pupils whose parents received regular texts from teachers. Parents of disabled students seek UN help to tackle alleged assault and neglect at schoolJul 21, 2016 | Pressworthy 
A group of Australian parents are seeking UN intervention following numerous incidents of children with disabilities allegedly being assaulted, locked in dark rooms and restrained in schools.
The request, made on behalf of 55 families by a group of disability organisations, cites "widespread and grave" violations of students' human rights which it claims Australia has failed to address. Around 36 per cent of students in 55 families reported being physically assaulted by school staff. The request says a number of children were physically restrained at school and alleges: "Many children who were assaulted required medical treatment for their injuries, some for lengthy periods of time". It says half the children with disabilities were detained in structures given names such as 'calm rooms', 'time out spaces' and 'playgrounds' which were actually storerooms, cupboards and unused buildings with windows blacked out and lights shut off. The request says severe anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, extensive bruising and cuts resulted from the "cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment”. Many families have also reported neglect - including students having no education plan and being left unattended with no schoolwork. Thousands of Turkish teachers sacked in coup falloutJul 21, 2016 | Pressworthy 
More than 15,000 teachers and education staff have been sacked in the wake of Turkey’s failed coup, as the Erdoğan government escalates its purge of government officials.
35,000 public servants have now been affected by the crackdown, with more than 1,500 university deans asked to resign. It followed the firing of nearly 8,800 policemen and the arrests of 6,000 soldiers, 2,700 judges and prosecutors, dozens of governors, and more than 100 generals. Around 20 news websites critical of the government have also been blocked in what the Turkish government says is a legitimate operation to safeguard the country in the aftermath of the coup, which came close to toppling the elected president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Saturday. The scale of the operation has led to fears that Erdoğan is using the situation to settle scores with anyone perceived to pose any kind of threat to the government. Amnesty International has joined a chorus of international leaders in calling on Turkey to abide by the rule of law as it deals with the coup’s perpetrators, with a possible return to the death penalty flagged by government leaders. New kindys for the education stateJul 21, 2016 | Pressworthy 
Melbourne has two new kindergartens at Point Cook and Wollert, each offering 198 new places for three and four year-olds.
The $7.3 million Saltwater Community Centre brings together family services and kindergarten under the one roof, with rooms for maternal and child health consulting, playgroups, parenting groups and computer learning. The Victorian Architecture Awards winner also includes an artist-in-residence studio, an outdoor amphitheatre, and a community garden and kitchen. The new $4.15 million Korin Korin Child and Family Centre at Wollert is built on the same model and includes a maternal and child health consulting room, a meeting room and space that can be used by playgroups and parenting groups - including a landscaped outdoor play area. The Victorian Government and councils of Wyndham and Whittlesea (respectively) helped finance the developments as part of Victoria’s drive to improve facilities in the ‘education state’. |
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Is the new TAFE plan a triumph or the beginning of the end for a 125-year-old icon?Jul 18, 2016 | Pressworthy 
Campuses will be sold and support jobs slashed in a restructure of the NSW TAFE system the state government claims will make it more competitive.
NSW Minister for Skills John Barilaro said the "once-in-a-generation reform" would see ten TAFE institutes merged into a single, multi-campus entity, with a new digital education headquarters in regional NSW designed to deliver more online and in-workplace training. Mr Barilaro says the move would expand TAFE's reach and reverse a decline in enrolments following heavy staff and service cuts by the NSW Liberal government, course fee hikes and increased competition from private operators. He stressed the state government was committed to maintaining the 125-year-old training provider, despite opposition claims of creeping privatisation. "We’re not privatising TAFE, we're backing the public provider, and investing in the resources, the assets and the people," he said. The minister said revenue from sold assets would be reinvested into TAFE NSW to build 12 Connected Learning Centres providing digital access to TAFE in regional NSW. The NSW Business Chamber has welcomed the reforms, but Steve Turner of the Public Service Association called it "the end of TAFE". South Australia invests $500 million in future engineersJul 18, 2016 | Pressworthy 
The South Australian government has announced a $500 million investment in new education facilities.
Around $250 million will be spent upgrading laboratories catering for STEM-related subjects at 139 schools across the state, with funding to go to 77 primary schools, 44 high schools and 18 combined schools. A further $250 million will go towards a low-interest loan facility over the next five years, to be made available to private schools looking to upgrade their facilities. The government said the upgrades will help students gain the skills needed to take advantage of local opportunities like the federal contract to build Australia’s next submarine fleet. “It is the children and students in school today that will be working on the high-tech defence build that South Australia will undertake across the next 50 years,” said state finance minister Tom Koutsantonis. “Engineering, welders, designers, computer technicians; these are the jobs we will need in a more modern economy. “As South Australia transforms, so should our skillset. And that starts in our schools.” Should teachers be penalised for taking time out to raise children?Jul 17, 2016 | Pressworthy 
New teacher salary rules discriminate against experienced staff who take time off to have children, says the NSW Teacher’s Federation.
Changes to state education department salary rules mean teachers who are out of the job for more than five years will be downgraded to a beginner-teacher salary when they return and will also see their superannuation contributions cut. The Federation is considering taking legal or industrial action against the department, claiming the changes will widen the gender pay gap. "By paying very experienced teachers a beginning teacher's salary, this policy will drive them from the profession, completely undermining the priority to attract and retain skilled teachers into NSW public schools," said spokesperson Anna Uren. The changes are part of the state government’s Great Teaching, Inspired Learning reforms, which requires teachers to continually demonstrate competent teaching practices and professional development to maintain accreditation. A teacher on leave can maintain accreditation by undertaking casual work in a NSW school and completing 100 hours of professional learning over the five years. Should classroom abuse investigations be funded by schools?Jul 17, 2016 | Pressworthy 
The principal of a school where a 13-year-old autistic girl was allegedly raped by her teacher has claimed small schools are ill-equipped to investigate abuse claims.
The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse was told by principal Tony Fitzgerald of the Mater Dei School in Camden: "I'm not convinced that schools have the human resources to adequately fulfil that task. "There ought to be access for small organisations like Mater Dei to go to an agency that is oversighted by the Ombudsman and say, from the time the allegation is brought forward, 'This is the allegation, you now have carriage of it'." Three students were allegedly sexually assaulted at the school for children with a disability in the early 1990s. Fitzgerald said the NSW ombudsman approved the school’s advice that the alleged abuser be counselled, placed under increased supervision but continue in his employment. He said the man’s behaviour did not meet the threshold for reporting to police at the time and he later fled to the UK, never returning to face charges. Fitzgerald said abuse investigations could cost schools more than $20,000, a figure small schools had no resources for. Mater Dei has strengthened reporting procedures and improved staff training on dealing with abuse claims. The hearing continues. |
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Dogfight brewing over greyhound track
Jul 11, 2016 | Pressworthy
The NSW government may look to turn the Wentworth Park dog track into a school site as it seeks solutions to the problem of classroom shortages in Sydney’s densely-populated inner west.
The park could also be converted into a sports centre or be retained as open space for the crowded Glebe and Pyrmont area following the decision to ban greyhound racing in the state.
NSW Premier Mike Baird says his government will engage with the community in discussions over the park’s use.
Once a swamp, Wentworth Park was designated public land in the Blackwattle Bay Land Reclamation Act of 1873.
Enrolments in inner west schools have grown by more than 13 per cent since 2012 - almost 3.5 times the state average.
Neighbouring Ultimo Public School, which will soon be demolished and rebuilt as a multi-storey school, was always going to use the area for demountable buildings during its renovations.
The school’s P&C committee is now pushing for the park to become a permanent base.
The park could also be converted into a sports centre or be retained as open space for the crowded Glebe and Pyrmont area following the decision to ban greyhound racing in the state.
NSW Premier Mike Baird says his government will engage with the community in discussions over the park’s use.
Once a swamp, Wentworth Park was designated public land in the Blackwattle Bay Land Reclamation Act of 1873.
Enrolments in inner west schools have grown by more than 13 per cent since 2012 - almost 3.5 times the state average.
Neighbouring Ultimo Public School, which will soon be demolished and rebuilt as a multi-storey school, was always going to use the area for demountable buildings during its renovations.
The school’s P&C committee is now pushing for the park to become a permanent base.
Perth teacher faces prosecution for spying on changing students
Jul 10, 2016 | Pressworthy
A Perth primary school teacher has pleaded guilty to installing a camera in a toilet and spying on his students while they were getting changed.
The 58-year-old teacher pleaded guilty to 52 charges when he appeared at the Perth Magistrates Court on Thursday.
He was stood down from his school in 2014 after being discovered filming students in the toilet using a pen camera hanging on a coat.
The charges included seven counts of indecently recording a child under 13 years, 15 counts of attempting to indecently record a child under 13 years and ten counts of unlawfully installing an optical surveillance device to record a private activity.
For the protection of the students’ identities, the name of the school and the teacher cannot be identified. A pre-sentence report has been ordered and the man will face Perth District Court again on September 2.
The 58-year-old teacher pleaded guilty to 52 charges when he appeared at the Perth Magistrates Court on Thursday.
He was stood down from his school in 2014 after being discovered filming students in the toilet using a pen camera hanging on a coat.
The charges included seven counts of indecently recording a child under 13 years, 15 counts of attempting to indecently record a child under 13 years and ten counts of unlawfully installing an optical surveillance device to record a private activity.
For the protection of the students’ identities, the name of the school and the teacher cannot be identified. A pre-sentence report has been ordered and the man will face Perth District Court again on September 2.
Is lax vetting of temporary teachers putting NSW schoolchildren at risk?
Jul 09, 2016 | Pressworthy
Claims that inadequate background checks on temporary teachers are putting children at risk have been refuted by the NSW Secondary Principals Council.
According to Fairfax Media, a state education department source says checks for temporary teachers are less stringent than those for permanent staff - representing a loophole that could “open the door to paedophiles” teaching in public school classrooms.
The source claims that attempts to resolve the issue have been dismissed as “too much work” by department employees.
The source claims knowledge of at least one incidence of an unvetted person gaining temporary teaching work using someone else’s ID.
The man taught at the school for two days before the issue was discovered.
Craig Petersen of the NSW Secondary Principals Council said he was “astonished” by the claims and argued the department was thorough in its vetting.
“We don’t employ anyone who doesn’t have approval by the department and hasn’t done a thorough working with children check,” he told The Educator.
20 NSW teachers were placed on a ‘not-to-be-employed’ list last year following incidents of sexual abuse or sexual misconduct involving students or other children.
According to Fairfax Media, a state education department source says checks for temporary teachers are less stringent than those for permanent staff - representing a loophole that could “open the door to paedophiles” teaching in public school classrooms.
The source claims that attempts to resolve the issue have been dismissed as “too much work” by department employees.
The source claims knowledge of at least one incidence of an unvetted person gaining temporary teaching work using someone else’s ID.
The man taught at the school for two days before the issue was discovered.
Craig Petersen of the NSW Secondary Principals Council said he was “astonished” by the claims and argued the department was thorough in its vetting.
“We don’t employ anyone who doesn’t have approval by the department and hasn’t done a thorough working with children check,” he told The Educator.
20 NSW teachers were placed on a ‘not-to-be-employed’ list last year following incidents of sexual abuse or sexual misconduct involving students or other children.
Australian academics among big winners on Queen’s Birthday honours list
Jun 13, 2016 | Pressworthy
Australian academics are well represented in this year’s Queen’s Birthday honours list.
UC professor and former public service mandarin Ian Watt has been named a Companion of the Order of Australia for his work in education policy reform.
ANU professor of IT Brian Anderson, University of NSW psychologist Richard Bryant, former Charles Darwin University computer scientist Michael Fellows and Melbourne University’s epidemiologist Alan Lopez and chemist David Solomon have also been awarded the nation’s top honour.
Among numerous Order of Australia winners is Flinders University chemist Colin Raston, who attracted global headlines for inventing a machine that can unboil an egg.
ANU Climate Change Institute director Mike Raupach, who died last year after a short illness, has won a posthumous AO award.
UC professor and former public service mandarin Ian Watt has been named a Companion of the Order of Australia for his work in education policy reform.
ANU professor of IT Brian Anderson, University of NSW psychologist Richard Bryant, former Charles Darwin University computer scientist Michael Fellows and Melbourne University’s epidemiologist Alan Lopez and chemist David Solomon have also been awarded the nation’s top honour.
Among numerous Order of Australia winners is Flinders University chemist Colin Raston, who attracted global headlines for inventing a machine that can unboil an egg.
ANU Climate Change Institute director Mike Raupach, who died last year after a short illness, has won a posthumous AO award.
Principals boost exam success
Jun 06, 2016 | Pressworthy
New research has revealed how principals have a direct impact on the learning outcomes of students.
The research by the University of Melbourne is based on Victorian education department data, including literacy and numeracy results and detailed parent and staff surveys.
It shows that principals who set clear strategic objectives, encourage professional interaction among staff and promote teacher development significantly raise student achievement levels.
The research team, led by Dr Mick Coelli, analysed the role of principals in determining student achievement as measured by standardised test scores.
“We see principals in schools for more years than other related studies, so can get closer to estimating their ‘full’ effect on student achievement,” Coelli said.
“More effective principals can raise student performance by as much as 0.22 of a year of learning.”
The research by the University of Melbourne is based on Victorian education department data, including literacy and numeracy results and detailed parent and staff surveys.
It shows that principals who set clear strategic objectives, encourage professional interaction among staff and promote teacher development significantly raise student achievement levels.
The research team, led by Dr Mick Coelli, analysed the role of principals in determining student achievement as measured by standardised test scores.
“We see principals in schools for more years than other related studies, so can get closer to estimating their ‘full’ effect on student achievement,” Coelli said.
“More effective principals can raise student performance by as much as 0.22 of a year of learning.”
School facing tropical storm
Jun 07, 2016 | Pressworthy
An exclusive girls’ school is being sued by its own deputy principal over a “disastrous” school camp that left half of the attending students hospitalised.
St Catherine’s School, Melbourne is facing a $250,000 lawsuit brought by deputy Rosemary Ward, who claims it breached protections under the Fair Work Act.
According to court documents, between March 25 and April 10 half of the 30 Year Ten students on the camp to Fiji were hospitalised with gastro, caught conjunctivitis and were stranded by a cyclone.
The camp’s backpacker-style accommodation was far from ideal, claims Ward, with girls woken by drunken travellers stumbling past their dormitories late at night, one room flooding and students having to eat meals on the floor because there were not enough seats.
Ward, who has been off work since May 5 due to illness, says she is being pressured to resign over the lawsuit - a claim the school denies.
St Catherine’s School, Melbourne is facing a $250,000 lawsuit brought by deputy Rosemary Ward, who claims it breached protections under the Fair Work Act.
According to court documents, between March 25 and April 10 half of the 30 Year Ten students on the camp to Fiji were hospitalised with gastro, caught conjunctivitis and were stranded by a cyclone.
The camp’s backpacker-style accommodation was far from ideal, claims Ward, with girls woken by drunken travellers stumbling past their dormitories late at night, one room flooding and students having to eat meals on the floor because there were not enough seats.
Ward, who has been off work since May 5 due to illness, says she is being pressured to resign over the lawsuit - a claim the school denies.
Hot nest sex deviants
Jun 09, 2016 | Pressworthy
Giant male lizards which are hot in bed are turning into super-powered females, Australian scientists have discovered.
Researchers from Sydney and Canberra universities say the sex-reversed bearded dragons, altered when they experience unusually warm nests, have bolder and livelier personalities than their peers.
In most species, sex is determined either by their genes or by the conditions they encounter as they are developing embryos.
But for the bearded dragon, an unusually warm nest can override the effect of sex chromosomes.
As a result, hot nests produce a new breed of ultra-brave and active alpha-females - giving them advantages the researchers say could dramatically speed up the species’ evolution.
“Under natural conditions we can see a process producing individuals with the bodies of females but, at least to some degree, with the brains of males,” said co-author Professor Rick Shine of USYD.
“Sex in dragons is clearly a much more complicated matter than we have assumed.”
Researchers from Sydney and Canberra universities say the sex-reversed bearded dragons, altered when they experience unusually warm nests, have bolder and livelier personalities than their peers.
In most species, sex is determined either by their genes or by the conditions they encounter as they are developing embryos.
But for the bearded dragon, an unusually warm nest can override the effect of sex chromosomes.
As a result, hot nests produce a new breed of ultra-brave and active alpha-females - giving them advantages the researchers say could dramatically speed up the species’ evolution.
“Under natural conditions we can see a process producing individuals with the bodies of females but, at least to some degree, with the brains of males,” said co-author Professor Rick Shine of USYD.
“Sex in dragons is clearly a much more complicated matter than we have assumed.”
Unions pan free trade
Jun 02, 2016 | Pressworthy
Three education unions have raised concerns over the possible impact of free trade agreements on Australian education.
The National Tertiary Education Union, Australian Education Union and Independent Education Union have written to trade minister Steve Ciobo arguing free trade agreements could open the floodgates to overseas private education providers, potentially undermining the quality of domestic providers.
“The lack of an explicit ‘carve-out’ of education within trade rules which are legally binding, exposes the sector to intensified pressure for greater privatisation and commercialisation,” it said.
Because “competitive neutrality” measures are designed to prevent governments from treating public schools more favourably, the letter argues, the provision of “fee-free, public, and high quality education” is threatened.
The National Tertiary Education Union, Australian Education Union and Independent Education Union have written to trade minister Steve Ciobo arguing free trade agreements could open the floodgates to overseas private education providers, potentially undermining the quality of domestic providers.
“The lack of an explicit ‘carve-out’ of education within trade rules which are legally binding, exposes the sector to intensified pressure for greater privatisation and commercialisation,” it said.
Because “competitive neutrality” measures are designed to prevent governments from treating public schools more favourably, the letter argues, the provision of “fee-free, public, and high quality education” is threatened.
ABC chief Mark Scott the new head of NSW education
Jun 03, 2016 | Pressworthy
Former managing director of the ABC, Mark Scott, has been appointed as the new secretary of the NSW Department of Education.
Mr Scott, a former teacher, political advisor and newspaper editor has been described by NSW Premier Mike Baird as "one of the great leaders in this country."
"He brings a proven track record, a deep understanding and passion for education," said the premier.
The department is Australia's largest single organisation across both the public and private sectors.
Mr Scott will take a significant pay cut in his new $560,000 role, but takes responsibility for more than 2000 schools and 49,000 teachers - ten times the number of staff under his leadership at the ABC.
He replaces Michele Bruniges, who moved to a federal role as Secretary of the Department of Education and Training in April.
Mr Scott, a former teacher, political advisor and newspaper editor has been described by NSW Premier Mike Baird as "one of the great leaders in this country."
"He brings a proven track record, a deep understanding and passion for education," said the premier.
The department is Australia's largest single organisation across both the public and private sectors.
Mr Scott will take a significant pay cut in his new $560,000 role, but takes responsibility for more than 2000 schools and 49,000 teachers - ten times the number of staff under his leadership at the ABC.
He replaces Michele Bruniges, who moved to a federal role as Secretary of the Department of Education and Training in April.
Turtle trek for territorians
May 30, 2016 | Pressworthy
Students from Charles Darwin University in the Northern Territory will be given access to protected areas of the Amazon jungle when they visit Brazil this year to study the Giant South American Turtle.
Professor Jenny Davis says the two-week field trip in November will take in 600km of the Amazon River between two sites that are open only for scientific research.
“It’s an exciting opportunity for students to experience a portion of the largest and most biologically diverse tropical rainforest in the world,” she said.
“They will use the Giant South American Turtle as a case study to learn about the long-term efforts to protect riverine turtles in the Amazon.”
The study trip is one of five “field intensives” on offer in the School of Environment this year, with West Timor and Central Java among the other study destinations.
Professor Davis said the trips give students an opportunity to enrich the online and classroom aspects of their courses with bona-fide outdoor experiences.
Professor Jenny Davis says the two-week field trip in November will take in 600km of the Amazon River between two sites that are open only for scientific research.
“It’s an exciting opportunity for students to experience a portion of the largest and most biologically diverse tropical rainforest in the world,” she said.
“They will use the Giant South American Turtle as a case study to learn about the long-term efforts to protect riverine turtles in the Amazon.”
The study trip is one of five “field intensives” on offer in the School of Environment this year, with West Timor and Central Java among the other study destinations.
Professor Davis said the trips give students an opportunity to enrich the online and classroom aspects of their courses with bona-fide outdoor experiences.
Cocaine trafficker turns teacher
May 26, 2016 | Pressworthy
A convicted drug smuggler who spent four years in a Spanish prison has won her fight to be allowed to teach in Victorian public schools.
Kim Salter, aged 38, has won an appeal to Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal for registration after the Victorian Institute of Teaching decided her past made her unsuitable for the profession.
Ms Salter was sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment after customs officials in Barcelona searched her suitcase and discovered five kilograms of cocaine in September 2007.
She returned to Australia after serving four years of her sentence and in 2014, she completed a diploma of education at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology and was given a glowing reference from the school where she worked as a student teacher.
The tribunal found she would be a "great asset" to Victorian schools despite the VIT’s objections.
Kim Salter, aged 38, has won an appeal to Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal for registration after the Victorian Institute of Teaching decided her past made her unsuitable for the profession.
Ms Salter was sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment after customs officials in Barcelona searched her suitcase and discovered five kilograms of cocaine in September 2007.
She returned to Australia after serving four years of her sentence and in 2014, she completed a diploma of education at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology and was given a glowing reference from the school where she worked as a student teacher.
The tribunal found she would be a "great asset" to Victorian schools despite the VIT’s objections.
New digs for UQ
May 26, 2016 | Pressworthy
The Queensland government will lend $251 million to fund a major student accommodation expansion at the University of Queensland - despite local resistance to the development.
Queensland treasurer Curtis Pitt says the project, which will deliver five new buildings and 1300 student beds, is a good investment for the university and for Queensland.
The development is in Brisbane's leafy riverside suburb of St Lucia, where there has been increasing resistance to further development because of escalating traffic conditions in the peninsula suburb.
UQ vice-chancellor and president Professor Peter Hoj said the university would consult closely with the community to finalise design and planning.
"It will be home away from home for 1300 students, with around-the-clock pastoral support and security, and easy access to campus sporting and cultural facilities and regular public transport,” he said.
The university claims traffic flow problems will be reduced by the development as an additional 1300 students will live on campus and not require a car to get to class.
Construction is likely to begin in mid-2017, with students moving in at the start of 2020.
Queensland treasurer Curtis Pitt says the project, which will deliver five new buildings and 1300 student beds, is a good investment for the university and for Queensland.
The development is in Brisbane's leafy riverside suburb of St Lucia, where there has been increasing resistance to further development because of escalating traffic conditions in the peninsula suburb.
UQ vice-chancellor and president Professor Peter Hoj said the university would consult closely with the community to finalise design and planning.
"It will be home away from home for 1300 students, with around-the-clock pastoral support and security, and easy access to campus sporting and cultural facilities and regular public transport,” he said.
The university claims traffic flow problems will be reduced by the development as an additional 1300 students will live on campus and not require a car to get to class.
Construction is likely to begin in mid-2017, with students moving in at the start of 2020.
New head for Aurukun
May 26, 2016 | Pressworthy
A new principal and two teachers will supervise education for students of a north Queensland primary school closed by the state government for six weeks following violent threats to staff from teenage boys.
Beenleigh State High School principal Matt O’Hanlon and two colleagues have flown to Aurukun, where they will deliver a combination of education programs over the remaining weeks of the term.
School staff were earlier evacuated from the area for the second time in a month following the recurrent threats.
The Wik women’s group issued a statement following the closure, saying: "We are mothers in shock that our children, high-achieving children, will be deprived of schooling for weeks.
"While teachers and staff absolutely have a right to feel safe and secure, and parents have a responsibility to ensure their children behave respectfully, our children also have a right to a good education.”
Beenleigh State High School principal Matt O’Hanlon and two colleagues have flown to Aurukun, where they will deliver a combination of education programs over the remaining weeks of the term.
School staff were earlier evacuated from the area for the second time in a month following the recurrent threats.
The Wik women’s group issued a statement following the closure, saying: "We are mothers in shock that our children, high-achieving children, will be deprived of schooling for weeks.
"While teachers and staff absolutely have a right to feel safe and secure, and parents have a responsibility to ensure their children behave respectfully, our children also have a right to a good education.”
Lecturer Dies on Everest
May 23, 2016 | Pressworthy
Monash University lecturer Maria Strydom has died while descending from the summit of Mount Everest.
The 34-year-old banking and finance expert succumbed to altitude sickness and reportedly suffered a stroke and snow blindness after turning back from the final summit ascent on Saturday.
She had been travelling in Nepal for more than a month with a group of climbers including her husband, Rob Gropel, who was sledded down the mountain suffering from high altitude pulmonary oedema to be flown for treatment in Kathmandu.
Colleague Philip Gray said: "Maria was a valued and popular member of the department of banking and finance at Monash University.
"More than that, she was a much-loved friend to many and inspiration to all."
The 34-year-old banking and finance expert succumbed to altitude sickness and reportedly suffered a stroke and snow blindness after turning back from the final summit ascent on Saturday.
She had been travelling in Nepal for more than a month with a group of climbers including her husband, Rob Gropel, who was sledded down the mountain suffering from high altitude pulmonary oedema to be flown for treatment in Kathmandu.
Colleague Philip Gray said: "Maria was a valued and popular member of the department of banking and finance at Monash University.
"More than that, she was a much-loved friend to many and inspiration to all."
Yale enters peeing contest
May 22, 2016 | Pressworthy
The American Ivy League university Yale has introduced gender-neutral toilet blocks in support of transgender students’ rights.
The move comes as conservatives in states across the US battle President Obama’s support of transgender citizens.
“Yale aims to be a leader on this front,” said faculty of arts and sciences dean Tamar Gendler.
“Part of what is important about the all-gender bathroom project…is this is about public signaling.”
Around 150 American colleges and universities have incorporated gender-neutral bathrooms into school policy.
Texas governor Greg Abbott has ridiculed the stance, saying: “JFK wanted to send a man to the moon.
“Obama wants to send a man to the women’s restroom.
“We must get our country back on track.”
The move comes as conservatives in states across the US battle President Obama’s support of transgender citizens.
“Yale aims to be a leader on this front,” said faculty of arts and sciences dean Tamar Gendler.
“Part of what is important about the all-gender bathroom project…is this is about public signaling.”
Around 150 American colleges and universities have incorporated gender-neutral bathrooms into school policy.
Texas governor Greg Abbott has ridiculed the stance, saying: “JFK wanted to send a man to the moon.
“Obama wants to send a man to the women’s restroom.
“We must get our country back on track.”
Violent students scare teachers
May 20, 2016 | Pressworthy
Five teachers who were evacuated from a school in far north Queensland following threats of student violence say they do not feel safe returning to the area.
Last week, 25 teachers and staff were forced to evacuate the school in the remote town of Aurukun following a spate of youth violence, which allegedly included an attempted invasion of a teacher’s house and a principal being threatened with an axe before having his car stolen.
Queensland Teachers Union president Kevin Bates said the decision had caused the five teachers great angst and they would be found new jobs in other schools.
Those who do return will have “screamer” security alarms installed in their homes and improved fencing around their accommodation.
Last week, 25 teachers and staff were forced to evacuate the school in the remote town of Aurukun following a spate of youth violence, which allegedly included an attempted invasion of a teacher’s house and a principal being threatened with an axe before having his car stolen.
Queensland Teachers Union president Kevin Bates said the decision had caused the five teachers great angst and they would be found new jobs in other schools.
Those who do return will have “screamer” security alarms installed in their homes and improved fencing around their accommodation.
World record sun trap
May 19, 2016 | Pressworthy
Engineers at the University of New South Wales have developed a new solar cell configuration that has achieved a sunlight-to-electricity conversion efficiency of 34.5% - constituting a new world record.
The record was set using a 28cm² four-junction mini module embedded within a prism, dubbed the ‘power cube’.
The project was supported by $1.4 million in funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, also known as ARENA.
The new result, confirmed by the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory, is almost 44% better than the previous record which reached 24% efficiency over a far larger surface area of 800cm².
The record was set using a 28cm² four-junction mini module embedded within a prism, dubbed the ‘power cube’.
The project was supported by $1.4 million in funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, also known as ARENA.
The new result, confirmed by the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory, is almost 44% better than the previous record which reached 24% efficiency over a far larger surface area of 800cm².
Medicine leaves bitter taste
May 18, 2016 | Pressworthy
Newcastle University’s Central Coast campus will get a $32.5m medical precinct if the Coalition wins the election in July.
Federal education minister Simon Birmingham announced plans this week for a new medical school, health hub and medical research institute at the university’s Gosford campus.
The hub would be located in the marginal Liberal seat of Robertson, which adjoins another marginal seat in Dobell.
Victorian universities clamouring for investment in new medical schools have cried foul over the allocation of resources to a location less than two hours from six other medical schools.
La Trobe Vice-chancellor Professor John Dewar said: “I think the people of Bendigo and northern Victoria will now be asking why their needs are less important than people in Gosford.”
Federal education minister Simon Birmingham announced plans this week for a new medical school, health hub and medical research institute at the university’s Gosford campus.
The hub would be located in the marginal Liberal seat of Robertson, which adjoins another marginal seat in Dobell.
Victorian universities clamouring for investment in new medical schools have cried foul over the allocation of resources to a location less than two hours from six other medical schools.
La Trobe Vice-chancellor Professor John Dewar said: “I think the people of Bendigo and northern Victoria will now be asking why their needs are less important than people in Gosford.”
Women provide maths solution
May 17, 2016 | Pressworthy
Melbourne University has advertised three senior maths positions as women-only in a bid to improve female representation within the department.
The job advertisement for roles in applied mathematics, pure mathematics and statistics states: “The school is seeking to lift the representation of women and therefore will only consider applications from suitably qualified female candidates.”
Department head Aleks Owczarek said it was a necessary step because only 9% of maths professors in Australia are women.
“Only 28% of our mathematics students are female…and even earlier than that women stop studying high-level maths as they proceed through high school,” he added.
“We believe it is important to provide role models for our female students.
“This is a strategic move to drive change.”
The job advertisement for roles in applied mathematics, pure mathematics and statistics states: “The school is seeking to lift the representation of women and therefore will only consider applications from suitably qualified female candidates.”
Department head Aleks Owczarek said it was a necessary step because only 9% of maths professors in Australia are women.
“Only 28% of our mathematics students are female…and even earlier than that women stop studying high-level maths as they proceed through high school,” he added.
“We believe it is important to provide role models for our female students.
“This is a strategic move to drive change.”
Aerosol spray from NASA
May 16, 2016 | Pressworthy
NASA has urged the CSIRO not to cut an aerosol monitoring program it argues is key to predicting climate change.
Brent Holben, head of the US space agency’s Aerosol Robotic Network, has told the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Office that understanding the distribution and character of airborne particles represents “the single greatest source of uncertainty in climate simulations”.
"I understand that CSIRO is undertaking a major restructuring that may lead to the closure of AeroSpan," he wrote.
"The purpose of this letter is to express my dismay about this."
It is believed a number of other international agencies have also expressed alarm, although innovation minister Christopher Pyne’s office told Fairfax Media he had not been approached by any of them about the concerns.
Brent Holben, head of the US space agency’s Aerosol Robotic Network, has told the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Office that understanding the distribution and character of airborne particles represents “the single greatest source of uncertainty in climate simulations”.
"I understand that CSIRO is undertaking a major restructuring that may lead to the closure of AeroSpan," he wrote.
"The purpose of this letter is to express my dismay about this."
It is believed a number of other international agencies have also expressed alarm, although innovation minister Christopher Pyne’s office told Fairfax Media he had not been approached by any of them about the concerns.
NSW prison teachers axed
May 13, 2016 | Pressworthy
Around 70 teachers employed by the state government to work in NSW prisons have lost their jobs as the service is outsourced to private providers.
The NSW Teachers Federation has labelled the plan "appalling", saying teachers provide a critical opportunity for prisoners to learn to read and write, helping them break the cycle of crime.
The reduction in teachers from 158 to 87 is part of the Better Prisons reform, which aims to reduce adult reoffending by five per cent by 2019.
Corrective Services Minister David Elliott claimed the outsourcing was an effort to increase focus on basic numeracy and literacy needs.“I'm focusing in on literacy and numeracy because we still have so many…leaving prison that don't have those basic lifestyle skills,” he said.
The NSW Teachers Federation has labelled the plan "appalling", saying teachers provide a critical opportunity for prisoners to learn to read and write, helping them break the cycle of crime.
The reduction in teachers from 158 to 87 is part of the Better Prisons reform, which aims to reduce adult reoffending by five per cent by 2019.
Corrective Services Minister David Elliott claimed the outsourcing was an effort to increase focus on basic numeracy and literacy needs.“I'm focusing in on literacy and numeracy because we still have so many…leaving prison that don't have those basic lifestyle skills,” he said.
NSW primary teachers invited to become STEM specialists
May 11, 2016 | Pressworthy
The NSW Board of Studies will partner with three Sydney universities to train hundreds of primary school teachers as STEM specialists.
The scheme was launched this week by the NSW government to help foster an early enthusiasm for science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) in primary children.
It will offer generalist primary school teachers the opportunity to be transformed into STEM specialists, so making them highly valuable to schools.
State education minister Adrian Piccoli said: “I think we have lost our way a bit in Australia with mathematics.
“We need to develop a love of these subjects in primary schools so they can go onto higher level maths in high school and university”. Macquarie, UTS and USYD are the participating universities.
The scheme was launched this week by the NSW government to help foster an early enthusiasm for science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) in primary children.
It will offer generalist primary school teachers the opportunity to be transformed into STEM specialists, so making them highly valuable to schools.
State education minister Adrian Piccoli said: “I think we have lost our way a bit in Australia with mathematics.
“We need to develop a love of these subjects in primary schools so they can go onto higher level maths in high school and university”. Macquarie, UTS and USYD are the participating universities.
UK plans for country-wide academies are shelved following backlash
May 9, 2016 | Pressworthy
Controversial plans to force all state schools in England to become academies have been dropped.
In a statement last Friday, British education minister Nicky Morgan said: “I am today reaffirming our determination to see all schools become academies. “However, having listened to the feedback from parliamentary colleagues and the education sector, we will now change the path to reaching that goal.”
The announcement follows concerns from across the political spectrum, including the Government’s own party, that the change would force small rural schools to close.
Conservative-led councils such as Hampshire and Oxfordshire with high-performing local schools opposed the plan.
Instead, only schools in “underperforming” local authorities will convert to academy status. Councils with successful track records will be able to continue to maintain their local schools.
In a statement last Friday, British education minister Nicky Morgan said: “I am today reaffirming our determination to see all schools become academies. “However, having listened to the feedback from parliamentary colleagues and the education sector, we will now change the path to reaching that goal.”
The announcement follows concerns from across the political spectrum, including the Government’s own party, that the change would force small rural schools to close.
Conservative-led councils such as Hampshire and Oxfordshire with high-performing local schools opposed the plan.
Instead, only schools in “underperforming” local authorities will convert to academy status. Councils with successful track records will be able to continue to maintain their local schools.
Families to wait another year for childcare changes
May 9, 2016 | Pressworthy
The Government has postponed the introduction of its $3.5 billion Jobs for Families childcare package for a year, blaming Labor for blocking in the senate cuts to parenting payments which are required to fund the changes.
The postponement means families will wait until July 2018 to receive subsidies worth an average $30 a week.
Goodstart Early Learning chief executive Julia Davison said the delay was “extremely disappointing”.
“This decision will cost the one million Australian families using childcare on average around $30 a week, and increase their total out-of-pocket childcare costs by over $1 billion in 2017-18,’’ she said.
“Working mothers pay more in tax than they receive in childcare assistance, and this decision has made the job of balancing work and family responsibilities that much harder.”
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The postponement means families will wait until July 2018 to receive subsidies worth an average $30 a week.
Goodstart Early Learning chief executive Julia Davison said the delay was “extremely disappointing”.
“This decision will cost the one million Australian families using childcare on average around $30 a week, and increase their total out-of-pocket childcare costs by over $1 billion in 2017-18,’’ she said.
“Working mothers pay more in tax than they receive in childcare assistance, and this decision has made the job of balancing work and family responsibilities that much harder.”
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Academia loses battle for office promoting teaching and learning excellence
May 8, 2016 | Pressworthy
A decision to scrap the Office of Learning and Teaching in this week’s budget is “counterproductive” and “deeply disappointing”, the body representing Australian universities says.
Belinda Robinson of Universities Australia says abolishing the OLT will “end a program that underpins teaching excellence and innovation and supports student retention”.
More than 100 academics signed an open letter to education minister Simon Birmingham in a last-ditch pre-budget attempt to save the OLT.
The independent policy-making body was designed to enhance excellence in higher education through the input of its fellowship of nominated experts, but following a series of cuts and name changes over the past few years it has been operating in a limited capacity with a substantially reduced budget.
Ms Robinson said Universities Australia would work with its members to “develop a comprehensive response” to the cut.
Belinda Robinson of Universities Australia says abolishing the OLT will “end a program that underpins teaching excellence and innovation and supports student retention”.
More than 100 academics signed an open letter to education minister Simon Birmingham in a last-ditch pre-budget attempt to save the OLT.
The independent policy-making body was designed to enhance excellence in higher education through the input of its fellowship of nominated experts, but following a series of cuts and name changes over the past few years it has been operating in a limited capacity with a substantially reduced budget.
Ms Robinson said Universities Australia would work with its members to “develop a comprehensive response” to the cut.
Western Sydney’s new campus
May 6, 2016 | Pressworthy
The University of Wollongong will build a 7000-student campus in Liverpool next year, offering courses from its business, science, engineering, social sciences and arts faculties.
Thousands of students leave western Sydney each year to study, with no permanent tertiary institutions in Liverpool despite almost half the population being under 30.
The university will initially run its operations from the old Liverpool Local Council building before shifting to the Civic Place development from 2019.
A number of universities are competing to recruit students from the area, with Western Sydney University planning a campus for postgraduates in the Liverpool CBD and the University of Sydney expanding its Westmead campus 20 kilometres away.
Thousands of students leave western Sydney each year to study, with no permanent tertiary institutions in Liverpool despite almost half the population being under 30.
The university will initially run its operations from the old Liverpool Local Council building before shifting to the Civic Place development from 2019.
A number of universities are competing to recruit students from the area, with Western Sydney University planning a campus for postgraduates in the Liverpool CBD and the University of Sydney expanding its Westmead campus 20 kilometres away.
NSW to spend $60m on new inner-city schools
May 3, 2016 | Pressworthy
The NSW government has committed $60 million to new inner-city Sydney schools to tackle a chronic shortage of school places.
State education minister Adrian Piccoli this week announced plans for a new school in Alexandria with capacity for 2200 students from kindergarten to Year 12.
It will allow the government to move students out of Cleveland Street Intensive English High school onto the existing Alexandria Park senior campus.
The shift means construction can then begin on another 1500-student, high-rise high school in the middle of the Sydney CBD, the amalgam of Arthur Phillip High and Paramatta Public schools.
The state faces a projected increase of 165,000 public school students by 2031, the vast majority of them Sydney-based.
State education minister Adrian Piccoli this week announced plans for a new school in Alexandria with capacity for 2200 students from kindergarten to Year 12.
It will allow the government to move students out of Cleveland Street Intensive English High school onto the existing Alexandria Park senior campus.
The shift means construction can then begin on another 1500-student, high-rise high school in the middle of the Sydney CBD, the amalgam of Arthur Phillip High and Paramatta Public schools.
The state faces a projected increase of 165,000 public school students by 2031, the vast majority of them Sydney-based.
An 11th hour appeal has won a Sydney Islamic School its funding back
May 2, 2016 | Pressworthy
Sydney’s Malek Fahd Islamic College has won back federal funding - for now.
The Administrative Appeals Tribunal yesterday overturned a Government decision to withdraw $19 million in annual funding from the 2400-pupil Islamic school over concerns about its financial mismanagement.
The Government must continue funding to the school pending the outcome of the tribunal’s investigation and Malek Fahd is required to provide a monthly written account of its income and expenditure until further notice.
The school faced imminent closure following the withdrawal of Government funds last month.
The review process is expected to last for some months.
The Administrative Appeals Tribunal yesterday overturned a Government decision to withdraw $19 million in annual funding from the 2400-pupil Islamic school over concerns about its financial mismanagement.
The Government must continue funding to the school pending the outcome of the tribunal’s investigation and Malek Fahd is required to provide a monthly written account of its income and expenditure until further notice.
The school faced imminent closure following the withdrawal of Government funds last month.
The review process is expected to last for some months.
Mandarins squeezed by IBAC
May 1, 2016 | Pressworthy
Criminal charges loom for education officials found to steal $1.9 million from Victorian schools.
Education department staff who stole $1.9 million from Victoria’s school system could face criminal charges following a damning IBAC investigation.
The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission declared there had been “serious and entrenched corruption at the most senior levels of the department” in its Operation Ord report.
The Victorian public service watchdog is preparing a brief of evidence about “a number of individuals” so the Office of Public Prosecutions can decide whether to lay charges.
The report names Nino Napoli as the principal player in the scheme after he was found to have illegitimately directed money to nine relatives and associates.
IBAC has recommended that anyone involved in the scandal be banned from working in the department or schools.
Education department staff who stole $1.9 million from Victoria’s school system could face criminal charges following a damning IBAC investigation.
The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission declared there had been “serious and entrenched corruption at the most senior levels of the department” in its Operation Ord report.
The Victorian public service watchdog is preparing a brief of evidence about “a number of individuals” so the Office of Public Prosecutions can decide whether to lay charges.
The report names Nino Napoli as the principal player in the scheme after he was found to have illegitimately directed money to nine relatives and associates.
IBAC has recommended that anyone involved in the scandal be banned from working in the department or schools.
Early warning system
Apr 26, 2016 | Pressworthy
A $2.5 million research centre dedicated to tackling pre-school obesity will launch this week at the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre.
Staffed by paediatricians, dietitians, economists and exercise physiologists from universities across Australia, NZ and the UK, it will monitor 0-5 year-olds to better understand the role of nutrition, exercise and the effects of screen time in their lives.
“Currently one in five children in Australia is already overweight by the time they start school. By just focusing on intervening at primary school level, it’s already too late,” said Director Louise Baur.
“Intervening early and knowing how best to support parents in this crucial phase is essential in raising healthy children.”
Staffed by paediatricians, dietitians, economists and exercise physiologists from universities across Australia, NZ and the UK, it will monitor 0-5 year-olds to better understand the role of nutrition, exercise and the effects of screen time in their lives.
“Currently one in five children in Australia is already overweight by the time they start school. By just focusing on intervening at primary school level, it’s already too late,” said Director Louise Baur.
“Intervening early and knowing how best to support parents in this crucial phase is essential in raising healthy children.”
Gonski grief for Government
Apr 25, 2016 | Pressworthy
A new poll shows voters in NSW marginal electorates plan to cut support from the Government if it abandons the final two years of Gonski school funding.
Polling of up to 4000 voters in six marginal seats, undertaken by ReachTEL on behalf of the NSW Teachers Federation, found that up to three times more people believed the Government should continue funding Gonski than felt it should drop the needs-based model.
In a trend replicated across all six seats, 30 per cent of Eden-Monaro respondents said they would be less likely to support the Coalition if the reforms were dropped.
Labour has committed to funding the final two years of Gonski to 2018, at a cost of $4.5 billion.
The Government has yet to release its alternative funding model.
Polling of up to 4000 voters in six marginal seats, undertaken by ReachTEL on behalf of the NSW Teachers Federation, found that up to three times more people believed the Government should continue funding Gonski than felt it should drop the needs-based model.
In a trend replicated across all six seats, 30 per cent of Eden-Monaro respondents said they would be less likely to support the Coalition if the reforms were dropped.
Labour has committed to funding the final two years of Gonski to 2018, at a cost of $4.5 billion.
The Government has yet to release its alternative funding model.
South Australian college reprieved
Apr 24, 2016 | Pressworthy
The Islamic College of South Australia will keep its Federal funding after making sweeping management change.
The college faced losing $4.48 million in annual Education Department funding after an investigation last year uncovered serious concerns over its management.
The department said the Croydon school had made significant changes to its governance and financial arrangements, but stressed the funding would be subject to a number of conditions.
Education Minister Simon Birmingham said the changes delivered “financial and operational independence from the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils” but warned approval was subject to “a number of additional reporting requirements to ensure these improvements are sustained and built upon."
It is the fourth Islamic college to be reprieved following reforms - two others in Sydney and Canberra have lost their federal funding and face closure.
The college faced losing $4.48 million in annual Education Department funding after an investigation last year uncovered serious concerns over its management.
The department said the Croydon school had made significant changes to its governance and financial arrangements, but stressed the funding would be subject to a number of conditions.
Education Minister Simon Birmingham said the changes delivered “financial and operational independence from the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils” but warned approval was subject to “a number of additional reporting requirements to ensure these improvements are sustained and built upon."
It is the fourth Islamic college to be reprieved following reforms - two others in Sydney and Canberra have lost their federal funding and face closure.
Clean break
Apr 19, 2016 | Pressworthy
A clean energy company linked to the University of Sydney has won an $11 million contract to work with the UKs Armstrong Energy on solar energy storage.
Gelion Pty is the brainchild of Professor Thomas Maschmeyer, the director of the Australian Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology which launches this month at USYD.
Gelion relies on the professor’s breakthrough design of nanostructured gels, which could potentially outperform lithium ion technology in terms of charging and discharging speeds, size, safety, durability and price.
The initial market is for storage in buildings, with a full commercial demonstration prototype likely to be developed within four years allowing engineering for mass production.
Gelion Pty is the brainchild of Professor Thomas Maschmeyer, the director of the Australian Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology which launches this month at USYD.
Gelion relies on the professor’s breakthrough design of nanostructured gels, which could potentially outperform lithium ion technology in terms of charging and discharging speeds, size, safety, durability and price.
The initial market is for storage in buildings, with a full commercial demonstration prototype likely to be developed within four years allowing engineering for mass production.
Bush medicine
Apr 19, 2016 | Pressworthy
Indigenous knowledge of outback plants will be the focus of a new research centre looking at commercial uses for bush remedies.
The Australian Bioactive Compounds Centre at the University of Adelaide will apply Aboriginal knowledge of outback plants and their traditional medicinal uses to help find compounds with sales potential in medicine, vet science and agriculture.
“We have a commitment to formal agreements with the traditional owners of the land and local communities over collection permissions and intellectual property, and their active participation in the research,” says Associate Professor Bob Milne of research partner the University of South Australia.
The Australian Bioactive Compounds Centre at the University of Adelaide will apply Aboriginal knowledge of outback plants and their traditional medicinal uses to help find compounds with sales potential in medicine, vet science and agriculture.
“We have a commitment to formal agreements with the traditional owners of the land and local communities over collection permissions and intellectual property, and their active participation in the research,” says Associate Professor Bob Milne of research partner the University of South Australia.
Brexit bonanza
Apr 19, 2016 | Pressworthy
Australian universities could see a lucrative influx of foreign students if Britain votes to leave the European Union.
The British Government admits a ‘yes’ vote on 23 June would lead to new visa barriers and higher fees for European students, leading many to shift their sights from Britain to Australia, Canada and the United States.
Australia is currently the world’s sixth largest educator of foreign students behind the US, Britain, France, Germany and China.
The Brexit windfall would supplement an expected loss of Saudi Arabian and Brazilian students caused by changes to their national education policies.
The British Government admits a ‘yes’ vote on 23 June would lead to new visa barriers and higher fees for European students, leading many to shift their sights from Britain to Australia, Canada and the United States.
Australia is currently the world’s sixth largest educator of foreign students behind the US, Britain, France, Germany and China.
The Brexit windfall would supplement an expected loss of Saudi Arabian and Brazilian students caused by changes to their national education policies.
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