Rethinking NAPLAN

Schools survived without NAPLAN in 2020. They taught, they assessed, they reported, and – most importantly – they supported. From that lesson, we should reimagine the testing regime so that schools and students can be helped to thrive.

More exercise, fewer screens: New Australian guidelines for kids in OSHC

Research from the University of South Australia has delivered world-first national-level guidelines to better inform children’s physical activity and screen time in Outside School Hours Care.

The joy of real books

As we emerge from a pandemic that has accelerated digital progress, we can’t let these developments obscure the place of real books in real — as opposed to virtual — lives.

Banning phones in school might boost performance

The effects of mobiles phones and other technology at school is a hotly debated topic in many countries, but new Australian research favours a ban to improve children’s attention.

Mental health pilot program expands to more primary schools

A pilot trial of a primary school-based mental health program will be expanded to an additional 16 Victorian schools in 2021 following a successful first year of operation.

Let the children play

Children today spend much less time playing than their parents did, a decline exacerbated by the COVID pandemic. It’s time to recognise the individual and social benefits of play to our children’s development and happiness.

Too much screen time delays school readiness

Too much screen time and a penchant for computers is playing havoc with children’s school readiness, as new research from the University of South Australia shows that modern lifestyles are influencing our young generation’s prevalence of developmental delay.

COVID shines a light on Australians’ fear of the ‘other’

The COVID pandemic has brought into sharp relief the contradictory character of Australia. And it’s shone a light into Australians’ deep-seated fears of the “other”, both within our country and beyond.

Australian universities will still need Asian students

If the international education sector can find its way through this year, then its prospects are much better for 2022 and beyond.

UNSW students benefit from virtual exchanges across the Indo-Pacific

UNSW Sydney has received the highest funding yet for its 2021 New Colombo Plan Mobility Program, supporting students in COVID-safe study and work overseas.

Should schools provide healthy lunches?

Flinders University researchers investigating the pros and cons of school-provided lunches say uniform delivery of lunchtime food at school could be a solution to better childhood nutrition and learning in Australia.

Returning sport to our schools after COVID

As the school year begins, the call for more children to participate in organised sport has never been louder – but problems that sports organisers face are compounded by indifference from parents, in addition to worries about COVID-19 restrictions.