New publications

Our nation has the strength that comes from a long history of engagement with countries in Asia. Australia's relationships in our region are strong and robust, including with Asian nations like China, Japan, India, Indonesia and the Republic of Korea (South Korea). But in this Asian century we must enter a new phase of deeper and broader engagement. This White Paper provides a roadmap for the whole of Australia – governments, business, unions, and the broader community – in this next phase. Our goal is to secure Australia as a more prosperous and resilient nation that is fully part of our region and open to the world. Adapted from Executive Summary. The full report is available online.

This publication contains results from the 2012 Survey of Children's Participation in Cultural and Leisure Activities, conducted throughout Australia in April 2012 as a supplement to the Australian Bureau of Statistics' monthly Labour Force Survey. Respondents who were in scope of the supplementary survey were asked further questions. The aims of the survey were to: identify characteristics of children who participated in organised sport, cultural activities and selected activities undertaken for recreation and leisure; identify characteristics of children who attended selected cultural venues and events; monitor the use of the internet by children; and identify children who have a mobile phone. The focus on activities outside of school hours is to elicit information on activities that are more likely to be undertaken by children by choice rather than those that are part of the school curriculum. Adapted from explanatory notes. The statistical tables in the report are available online.

In 2010 the NSW Government raised the school leaving age from 15 to 17 years of age. This audit examined how well the Department of Education and Communities monitors and supports young people at school or on an approved alternative pathway until they reach 17 years of age. While these changes in legislation affect students at both government and non-government schools, we have looked at students attending government schools only. The Department and schools have supported these students by providing career advice, by expanding their curriculum beyond the traditional HSC subjects, and by introducing innovative programs. But more could be done to support these students. Schools need to provide programs that better suit these students' needs and ensure students have access to high-quality career advice. There is also evidence that more students who remain at school until 17 years of age are disengaged. Year 11 students now are absent more often and more likely to be suspended than those in previous years. And fellow students report that when they are in class, disengaged students are a frequent source of classroom disruption. The impact of managing these disengaged students has put a strain on already stretched resources. Adapted from Executive Summary. The full report is available online.

The Ancient Egypt ebook introduces primary students to famous figures from ancient Egyptians such as Tutankhamun and Cleopatra. It aims to help year 7 students understand the quest for immortality, investigate the River Nile's influence on society and civilisation, and interpret hieroglyphs. The text is accompanied by illustrations, maps and activities designed to make history come to life for students exploring the ancient world. Available during Term 4 2012 – email sales@esa.edu.au for updates on availability. See also publisher's description.

Bringing together major developments in the social and political theory of education, the book aims to provide a global introduction to the major debates within the field. Topics include democratic notions of education, cosmopolitanism, multiculturalism, pragmaticism, critical pedagogy, democratic socialism, liberalism, and the 'politics of fear'. Adapted from publisher's description.

Teachers in multilingual classrooms have been working for some years to improve their repertoire of ways to address the needs of very young children who enter school not speaking the language of instruction. This book aims to help classroom teachers and school leaders meet the needs of this group of young children. It contains contributions from 22 experienced teachers and administrators in international schools across the world. Adapted from publisher's description.