The federal government’s efforts to have Australian schoolchildren match their Asian and Finnish peers on international literacy and maths tests might need to start earlier if the latest OECD’s Education at a Glance 2013 report is any guide. Read more
Parents Face Curriculum Shake Up
Parent are facing revamped school report cards this month as new Victoria moves to the national curriculum. Read more
Australia Behind in Maths & Science
A boost is needed if Australia is to compete with science focused countries, a recent report has stated. The report released by the Australian Council of Learned Academics recommends introducing maths as a compulsory subject throughout high school, stronger prior condition requirements for university and the recruitment of science Ph.D. graduates into teaching. With countries like China and India building larger intensive knowledge based economies the report said that Australia needed to “lift its game” in the teaching of science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects. Peter Andrews, former Queensland chief scientist, stated, “the proportion of Australians graduating from universities in mathematics and statistics is less than the OECD average”.]]>
Australia Behind in Maths & Science
A boost is needed if Australia is to compete with science focused countries, a recent report has stated.
The report released by the Australian Council of Learned Academics recommends introducing maths as a compulsory subject throughout high school, stronger prior condition requirements for university and the recruitment of science Ph.D. graduates into teaching.
With countries like China and India building larger intensive knowledge based economies the report said that Australia needed to “lift its game” in the teaching of science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects. Peter Andrews, former Queensland chief scientist, stated, “the proportion of Australians graduating from universities in mathematics and statistics is less than the OECD average”.
Department Wants SA Teachers To Focus On Numeracy
The South Australian Education Department has told school principals that teachers are to place a greater focus on teaching numeracy to lift mathematics skills, in line with their reading and writing ability. The department spokesperson, Gary Costello, has told principals that student results are not currently up to scratch and mathematical skills need improving most. Read more
School Kids To Learn More About Food
The Federal Government has said that more money and resources will be spent to give food and agriculture a more prominent place in Australian Primary & Secondary schools.
The parliamentary secretary for agriculture, Sid Sidebottom has announced $1.5 million of Commonwealth funds to improve the awareness of food production and employment opportunities in the agriculture sector.