As 2024 comes to a close, it’s a good time to reflect on the stories that captured our attention and shaped our understanding of the world and the sector this year.
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From the University Accord aiming to end ‘placement poverty’ to NAPLAN concerns that so many of our students were failing to meet benchmarks, reports about widespread violence against teachers and principals, and the growing role of AI in classrooms, these moments offer a snapshot of our shared experiences.
Behind the scenes we also took a closer look at some of the people, places and experiences that make our sector so incredible. Which headlines resonated most with you?
Join us in revisiting the year’s most compelling narratives and consider the impact they’ve had on you and your community.
Explainers
What is dyscalculia? We talked to an expert about ‘number’ dyslexia and how it can affect learning.
What is the Flying Squad? We flew to the far north of WA in search of the teachers who get called in to cover vacancies in the most remote areas of the state.
Closing the Gap Explainer We have all heard the term ‘Closing the Gap’ but what does it really mean?
What is the Online Baccalaureate? The International Baccalaureate is going online and a single school in Australia has been chosen to pilot it.
What is Juneteenth? It’s not commonly acknowledged in Australia, so we dig deeper to find out what Juneteeth is all about.
Explainer – All About The Smith Family We take a closer look at how The Smith Family started and how it is working to help Australian students in need.
What is ICPA Few have heard about the most geographically broad yet exclusive parent association in the country – the Isolated Children’s Parent Association.
Non-mainstream schools and learning
When School is a Circus A tiny school has incorporated circus skills into its entire curriculum with incredible results.
Katitjin – Helping Boys on their Learning Journey For one term in year 9, these boys are taken off campus and given a very special education that stays with them for life.
The Case for Outdoor Ed We speak with an expert about what a nature deficit is, and how being outside for as little as four minutes can have significant benefits.
How we can help our students
School Belonging and How It Can Be Fostered Learn about belonging – feeling included, respected and safe and how we can foster it for students and staff.
How to Teach Safe Sexting They’re going to do it anyway, so we need to teach them to do it safely.
The Importance of Teaching Kids About Change Change is a fact of life, but some children cannot cope. We look at why it is important to teach kids the skills to expect and deal with change.
Helping Students Manage Their Anxiety We look at some of the skills educators can use to help students who are experiencing anxiety.
The Importance of Movement on Learning A fascinating look at the interplay between physical movement and learning.
How to Support Your Creative Students What can teachers and schools do to take the extra step to support their exceptional students.
How to Help Students Who Are Anxious About Climate Change We explore some of the ways we can help children build resilience around their climate change fears.
Helping Students Who Are Experiencing Separation and Divorce Teachers can be a stable influence at a time when a child is undergoing change – here are some ways to offer support.
Helping the Lonely Child Would you know which of your students are lonely? How to identify and help children who are lonely.
For Fun
Lessons we can Learn from Taylor Swift After the powerhouse swept through the country earlier this year, we took a look at some of the lessons Taylor has taught us.
Tips for Dealing with Lost and Found Some creative ways to solve the never-ending task that is Lost and Found.
Why a To-Do List is Good for Productivity Learn why making a To-Do list is the first thing you should do when you’re busy.
10 Fictional Teachers Who Taught Us Something From Walter White to Sue Sylvester, we explore some of the most unforgettable fictional teachers.
Guiding a Blind Runner After the thrill of the summer Olympics and Paralympics, we discover the special team members who guide blind runners and draw some parallels to teaching.
Authors in Schools It looks like fun and games, but what is it really like to be an Author working in a school?
10 Ways to Show Other Teachers Appreciation Why it is important to let other know how you feel (and some fun ways of doing it).
Build Your Students an Escape Room The ultimate way of disguising learning as fun and creativity.
Personal Stories
Dear Teacher, What I Want You to Know: A letter from Sally Rippin Author and Children’s Laureate, Sally Rippin has a message for all teachers.
What I Want You to Know About Homeschooling Often maligned and misunderstood, homeschooling parents have an incredible message they want to share.
Dear Parents of Middle Schoolers A fun and thoughtful letter written to parents of children going through the often confusing time of middle school.
What were your favourite stories of 2024?
What would you like to hear more about in 2025?
