Education

Telling a child they can’t sing has life-long implications. But there are ways to reverse it.

Singing is a natural human interaction that transcends cultures, socio-economic groups, ability, gender and education level, but many people are so scarred from their childhood experiences of singing that they won’t sing as adults.

Northwestern University choral music expert Steven Demorest says this comes from a focus on talent rather than skill. “It creates a huge stigma for kids and becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy,” he says.

He made the comment in response to concerns raised by 24 MPs including a handful of Associate Ministers questioning why the teachers shortage situation has not been resolved yet.

“It’s a fact,” continued Loau. “And there are reasons why.
“Some teachers have left the country after securing permanent residency in New Zealand under the annual quota system.

“Others teachers have left the classrooms for better paying desk jobs within the sector and in the private sector.
“The services of others have been terminated for valid reasons.”

Twenty-year-old Obasi Shaw called the 10-track album Liminal Minds and says it combines "elements of Middle English poetry with issues of racial identity in America".

He says it was inspired by Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales and his own hobby of writing rap music and spoken word poetry.

It took him a year to write.

Last year Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp A Butterfly and Nas' Illmatic were both added to the Harvard Library to signify their cultural significance.

But youth in the criminal justice and foster care systems often don't have access to it. That's why some lawmakers in California want to make it their right.

Earlier this year, Democrat Assemblymember Mike Gipson introduced legislation that would mandate "reasonable access to computer technology and the internet" for kids in juvenile detention programs and foster care.

For young children, emoji can aid inclusion in aspects of society previously closed to them, such as active participation in increasing knowledge of childhood well-being, and being heard in educational and care settings.

Emoji can also support children's learning in areas of health, well-being, safety and diversity.

These are key aspects of supporting children in becoming knowledgeable, confident and informed citizens, essential aspects of high-quality education.

Ivanhoe Grammar School has partnered with e-NABLE, a community of online 3D designers, so students can learn how to make and produce prosthetics.

Steve Brophy, the school's director of information and communication technology and eLearning, said the school had used 3D printers for years but was looking for more meaningful projects.

"We wanted to move past the kids just printing knick-knacks and thinking that things like bobble heads and little toy cars were good enough.

The National Scientific Statement, released last week, found participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects in Australian schools was declining, with enrolments in these subjects at the lowest level in 20 years.

It also reported that performance in these STEM subjects had slipped and if the decline continued, "Australia may be unable to supply the skills required for the future workforce".

The chairman of the House Education Committee, Representative Tu'umolimoli Moliga, who used to be a teacher, said it does not matter what degrees a teacher has, if they are not getting the encouragement and motivation they deserve, their commitment falters.

The Manu'a Faipule, Vesi Talalelei Fautanu Jr, said the Department of Education's recent Math-in-Art and Science Fair Competitions saw private school students take the top 3 places.

The director of education, Dr Matagi Tofia, confirms that statistics show government schools are way below the required standards.

Sunset State School in Mount Isa offers students breakfast, morning tea, and lunch free of charge — something teachers say is helping the entire community.

"It's available to everyone that comes here — any families, any children, any background," said principal Bryon Burke.

"We believe it's highly beneficial for our school and our kids, and certainly that's what the data is telling us."

Attendance rates improve

The index of community socio-educational advantage (ICSEA) ranks schools according to their level of educational advantage.

Chancellor Philip Hammond has set out plans for them in the Budget.

He says these type of qualifications have not always been on an equal footing with academic ones - and wants that to change.

T-levels will allow 16 to 19-year-olds to study in 15 sectors in subjects like hair and beauty or construction.

The courses will replace thousands that are currently on offer and it's claimed they will make access to the job market easier.

Students in further education or technical college will also be eligible for maintenance loans.