NAPLAN: a rigorous process for developing and trialling tasks

This year’s NAPLAN results showed a slight downward trend in persuasive writing. Robert Randall, CEO of the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA), puts these results into perspective and looks to the future of NAPLAN.

How secure are we in today’s interconnected world

The photos of some 100 celebrities have been stolen from their iCloud accounts. Cyber security expert Tanveer Zia has some precautionary measures which users should consider.

Team Australia: From bad fashion to bad politics

Tony Abbott recently declared that everyone has got to be on ‘Team Australia’. Binoy Kampmark argues that the politics of division can never unite and are bound to send groups into even more insularity.

Retail therapy that’s good for the community

Op shops raise vital funds for community welfare programs while playing an important environmental role. Kerryn Caulfield encourages us to take the time and visit our local op shop to donate unwanted clothes and household items.

A personal journey

In our disruptive digital age we have to foresee change and adapt in order to be successful. Chris Stevens explains how he came to set up TalentFlow, helping individuals and organisations adapting into the future.

Putting human rights into practice

The United Nations recently formulated the first guiding principles for corporate human rights responsibilities. James Guthrie from the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia was part of the launch of research on the implications of these principles for corporate Australia.

Spring clean your wardrobe

It is National Op Shop Week from 24 to 31 August, where Australians are invited to celebrate the vital role of their charity op shops. The week is a reminder to spring clean their wardrobes and donate clothing in good condition but no-longer needed to their local charity op shops.

Australia’s national security legislation: Where are we going?

The government has announced a review of the national anti-terrorism legislation, including changes to mandatory data retention. Intelligence and security expert Dr Patrick Walsh explains the proposed changes and puts them into a global context.

Speak your mind

For the 6th time the Sydney Opera House hosts a festival of ideas, conversation and debate. The Festival of Dangerous Ideas (FODI) is presented in association with St James Ethics Centre.

Celebrating Children’s Book Week 2014

Children’s Book Week is all about connecting to reading this year. Children’s writer Susan Stephenson has practical tips how to help our kids experience the joy that reading brings.

Regional universities make a difference

Regional universities play a crucial role in providing local knowledge to rural communities. Professor Andrew Vann, Vice-Chancellor of Charles Sturt University, sees a mutual benefit for universities and their communities.

Are we adequately building the resilience of young Australians as they transition from school to work?

Young Australians experience disadvantage in the labour market for a number of reasons. Alexandra Loftus says we need to connect young people to the working world as early as possible to expose them to the realities of the job market.