Minnis Journals

ET News Digest

Your Weekly Education Newsletter

Barefoot Learner Capabilities: How we are developing competencies for the real world
As with many educators I have grappled with the purpose of assessment for some time. It often feels as though we are subjecting our learners to tests and assessments that serve no purpose other than to generate an arbitrary score that could be quite different if they sat the test tomorrow, and yet these situations induce anxiety and stress for teachers, learners, and families.
So a burning question for me is around the issue of assessment and measurement. Are we measuring the things that we value? Do we value that which we are measuring? Read more

Gonski Institute says NAPLAN replacement needed
Ten years of NAPLAN and not a lot to show for it has seen another call for its scrapping, this time from the Gonski Institute who advocate sample testing of students.
The Gonski Institute also wants design and implementation of a new national assessment system to be driven by the teaching profession.
There is growing evidence NAPLAN is having a negative impact on schools, students and teachers. Read more

Nice kids win in the end
The lure of the bad kid is strong in the early years of high school but their charm fades and by Year 12 the nice kids win out with more friends of the opposite sex, general popularity and better wellbeing.
Australian Catholic University Institute for Positive Psychology and Education Professor Joseph Ciarrochi examined almost 3,000 high school students from Years 8 to 12 to discover why the aggressive rule breakers are so well-liked by their peers. Read more

How take on a child’s exam anxiety
May is around the corner and that means NAPLAN 2019, it also means some pretty anxious students; Edith Cowan University found that 90% of teachers reported their students feeling stressed in connection to NAPLAN.
If the exam is supposed to uncover what a child knows, a stressed one will not perform as they can or should so calming them down should be a priority. Read more

Grants open for Education Week Activities
The Vic government is encouraging not-for-profits in the state to apply for grants to fund Education Week activities.
Organisations that can incorporate careers, the future of work, student passion for their future job, potential workplaces and a unique career pathway, into a fun and informative activity for students are invited to apply.
Grants of up to $2000 are available to assist eligible not-for-profit organisations to host free activities. Read more

Vivid Sydney’s School introducing creative industry futures
Vivid Sydney has launched its inaugural Vivid School giving High School students in Years 9-12 the opportunity to meet artists behind the event’s light installations and inform them about careers in creative industries.
Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer and Vivid Sydney Executive Producer, Sandra Chipchase, said, “In its eleventh year, Vivid Sydney continues to evolve and prove itself as a leader in the field of creativity and innovation. By engaging with the next generation of artists, producers and designers, Vivid Sydney is supporting the growth of creative industries into the future.” Read more

Parents want support for teachers
Mental health, school funding and digital literacy are top of mind for parents regarding their children’s education with an overarching concern around support for teachers.
The Australian Parents Council have put together a five-point federal election statement sent to Coalition and Labor politicians.
“Parents value teachers and many called for more support and better recognition for the important work they do," APC President Shelley Hill said. Read more

Central Coast Grammar School an education innovator says Cambridge
An international reputation for innovation in education has seen Cambridge University include Central Coast Grammar School alongside 800 elite organisations recognised for their innovative practise in the Innovation 800 publication. The school was showcased for its cutting-edge approach to next-generation learning.
Innovation 800 is a high-profile study of innovation across a range of global industries.
Read more