The HSC timetable is well established and students have always had clear pathways on to tertiary study. However, this year, that clear path is jaded with misinformation, the combination of revolving and seemingly endless lockdowns, learning from home and the growing reliance on media outlets and social media to provide the latest health and education updates. The 2021 HSC is exposing the greatest systemic weakness at the worst possible time. Read more

The question of how to help students get 'back on track' academically after extensive school closures and disruption throughout the pandemic has understandably been a major concern for schools, teachers and parents.
   Unfortunately, despite the incredibly hard work and stellar efforts of teachers and parents alike, extended periods of school closures have inevitably led to varying levels of learning loss for children.
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It's not a huge reach to say that almost two years of this pandemic has affected school communities' wellbeing and general mental health.
  In fact, it has been found that mental health and wellbeing has drawn ahead of ahead of literacy and numeracy, STEM, and family and community engagement as concerns this year. Of schools significantly impacted by COVID-19, this number shot up to 50 per cent of people surveyed. Read more

Today, remote learning continues to be integrated into the physical classroom. By maintaining students' ability to learn remotely and benefit from technological advancements in teaching, educators will be able to enhance the learning experience for all.
   While we can't ignore the benefits of in-person education, the reality is that many students are thriving in remote learning situations.
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Dapto High School, NSW, has seen the difference transitioning from school into a job can make.
   "Our student cohort and their broader community struggle with high rates of socio-economic disadvantage. This negatively impinges on the opportunities and support available to young people seeking employment and career pathways," says Peter Johnson, Senior Student Mentor, Dapto High School. Read more

Excess screen time effects can include depression, obesity, poor quality of life, unhealthy diet and decreased physical and cognitive abilities. Whereas regular physical activity can improve physical fitness, cardiometabolic health, bone health and academic performance. Combining increased physical activity with reduced screen time showed a gradual beneficial effect on mental wellbeing across genders.
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