Australia

Child sex abuse: States, Territories challenge George Brandis on redress scheme

Following the Royal Commission into Institutional Child Sexual Abuse’s final report on redress and civil litigation, the SMH reports that the State and Territory governments are pressuring the Attorney-General George Brandis to say whether the Federal Government intends to commit to a national redress scheme. The $4 billion proposed scheme is designed to compensate approximately 60,000 survivors of child sexual abuse. The Federal Government has previously rejected the idea based on the cost and legal difficulties of a national scheme.

Anti-radicalisation kit for schools causes controversy

The Federal Government’s anti-radicalisation guide for use in schools has been met with criticism and ridicule from parents and political groups. The Guardian reports that one of the key authors of the guide, Emeritus Professor Gary Bouma, believes that it is not suitable for use in schools, and instead should have been given to community leaders alongside training on how to best use it. Although Prof. Bouma stands by the research used in the guide, he stated that the controversial case studies were not helpful.

Less than 1 per cent of Canberra school assaults reported to police

ACT Education Minister Joy Burch has said that of the 176 incidents of assault in Canberra schools in 2015, only nine had been reported to police. The Canberra Times reports that only intentional conduct was the subject of reports, and that the majority of the assaults were against female members of staff.

Minister calls for probe into claims of autistic child left alone in classroom

The ABC reports that the Tasmanian Government will investigate claims that an autistic primary school student was left unsupervised and isolated in a classroom for several days. The student was put in an empty classroom to prevent other students bullying her. Tasmanian Disability Education Reform Lobby founder Kristen Desmond has said ‘situations like this are completely unacceptable and if it doesn’t point to the fact that we need active reform of the system right now, this minute, I don’t know what does.’

Mentorship program introduced for maths and science teachers

The Canberra Times reports that The University of Canberra has introduced a new program that will see 35 new maths and science teachers will be paired with mentors as part of a program that aims to provide support and encourage interest in these areas. Project director Professor Michael Gaffney stated that the importance of these fields and the declining number of teachers has made the mentorship program essential in promoting interest in maths and science.

South Australian Government considering database for records of all children

The SA Government is considering establishing a central database for all South Australian children, the Advertiser reports. This database would contain the health, educational and welfare records of every child and would be available to authorised persons to help authorities identify and assist at-risk children.

Queensland teacher who slept with ex-pupil banned

A Queensland teacher who targeted vulnerable students has been banned from teaching until 2018. The Brisbane Times reports that the teacher used social media to begin inappropriate relationships with three students over a four year period, one of which developed into a sexual relationship. The Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal in its decision stated that the teacher ‘crossed the appropriate and community-expected boundaries’.

Google to offer free virtual reality classroom system to schools

Google has announced that it will make a field-trip simulator software called ‘Expeditions’ free to schools. The virtual reality kits will include headsets made of cardboard and software that can be controlled by the teacher from a tablet, the New York Times reports. The program will be introduced in the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand and Brazil and will allow virtual expeditions including tours of coral reefs, Macchu Picchu, Manhattan and space.

International

Sex education overhaul at elite US school to prevent sexual assault

Following a high profile trial involving an incident of underage sexual assault at an elite New Hampshire school, the school Principal has written to parents describing an overhaul of the school’s sex education program. The ABC reports that the school is clarifying its policies to better communicate the consequences of breaches, as well as engaging guest speakers on topics such as masculinity to address the school’s culture.

English primary school introduces daily mile run, other schools to follow

The Guardian reports that a primary school’s introduction of a daily mile run has been so successful that the Principal receives two emails daily from other schools asking for advice on how to implement a similar practice. The teachers have reported increased concentration and improved behaviour and fitness amongst students since the daily exercise began.

Games of tag banned in US schools for ‘emotional, physical wellbeing’ of students

A school district in the US has banned the game of tag as part of a review of playground rules that has emphasised the importance of students keeping their hands to themselves. Fox News reports that other alternative games will be offered, but the game was seen to pose a risk to the students’ emotional and physical wellbeing. A number of parents have complained about the ban.