What's newChristopher Pyne flags review of teacher educationThe Minister for Education, Christopher Pyne, has announced the formation of a Teacher Education Ministerial Advisory Group, to be chaired by the Australian Catholic University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Greg Craven. See transcript of the Minister's opening remarks at the first meeting of the group, 24 February 2014. See also article in the Sydney Morning Herald and article in the Guardian, both 19 February, and opinion piece 21 February 2014 in The Conversation. ACARA Chair Barry McGaw explains the cross-curriculum priorities in the Australian CurriculumACARA Chair Barry McGaw has written an article in the Sydney Morning Herald 27 February 2014, explaining the role and significance of the three cross-curriculum priorities in the Australian Curriculum, and how they are embedded in learning areas. The three cross-curriculum priorities are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island histories and cultures, Asia and Australia's engagement with Asia, and sustainability. NSW introduces formal BYOD policy in high schoolsThe NSW Department of Education and Communities has introduced a formal Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy for students in Years 8 and 9 at most public schools, following trials last year. See article in the Sydney Morning Herald 21 February 2014. Further discussion of Independent Public Schools initiativeIn the last two weeks there has been further media discussion of the Australian Government's Independent Public Schools initiative. See article in The Age 14 February, article in the Canberra Times 15 February, and article in the Sydney Morning Herald 26 February 2914. Religious instruction no longer to be offered in some Victorian public schoolsHundreds of primary school principals in Victoria have ceased to offer Special Religious Instruction classes in their schools. See article in The Age 17 February 2014. ARIES publishes six new videos on sustainabilityThe Australian Research Institute for Environment and Sustainability (ARIES) has published six new videos on the topic of sustainability. See ARIES news item January 2014. |