Public primary school sport in Australian culture: Addressing inequality!

Almost two in five primary school aged students do no physical activity outside of school hours. Steve Georgakis explains why school sport needs to be compulsory.

Books and reading important for a flying start to school

A large, national study has been tracking children since 2004. Susan Walker from the School of Early Childhood at QUT says that having books in the home and reading to infants and young children can have a big impact on the performance of a child starting school.

Why is learning difficult for children with autism?

There is still a lot of research to be done around the impact of early learning programs on the development of young children with autism. Dr Giacomo Vivanti shares some first results.

The World of Pyne: Protest, Q & A and corporate education

On Monday a group of students staged a protest on ABC’s Q & A against Education Minister Christopher Pyne’s proposed higher education cuts. Dr Binoy Kampark says Pyne’s stance is merely taking the project of a longstanding industrialisation and marketing of universities further.

Schools as part of our urban landscape

Schools are micro communities and need infrastructure and maintenance to function. Nicole Lewis argues that for the future harmony of our urban communities it is vital that schools consider their environmental footprint within their walls and beyond.

On creativity and sleepwalking

Creating any form of artwork can be a long and sometimes painful process. Ursula Kolbe recounts how her book about children’s art came to life once she stopped trying too earnestly to be rational.

Is job insecurity becoming the norm for young people?

In Australia, full-time job opportunities for teenagers have been steadily declining. Lucas Walsh from the Faculty of Education at Monash University says that for many young people the option to secure full-time work is out of reach.

Prepare your child to be a school leader

GRIP Leadership is a student leadership training organisation. They have published a number of books and manuals surrounding this subject and now have written a short guide for parents titled: “How to Help Prepare Your Child to Be a School Leader.’

Learning about and living with your signature strengths

The more mindful we are of our own character strengths, the more likely we will sustain the energy needed to achieve our goals and aspirations. Organisational coach Clive Leach is helping executives, teachers and students to identify and build these strengths.

Making the most of ‘big school’

Kindergarten children across Australia wait with nervous anticipation for the first day of school. Early childhood lecturer Dr Amy MacDonald from the School of Education at CSU has some tips for parents.

How parents can prepare their child to be a school leader

Helping children become a school leader gives them important skills for life. Ronan McGinniss works with students across Australia and has discovered a similar group of characteristics in those selected for leadership roles.

Year in review 2013

I would to thank you, the Open Forum community, for all the support you have shown throughout 2013. As readers and bloggers you play a major role in shaping the content of this website.