A social enterprise providing education and information to protect and enhance the mental health of young people
As the Fairfax media reports that more parents than ever were withdrawing their kids from the annual NAPLAN tests I wonder if these tests are even assessing the right things in school. Now I realize the importance of literacy and numeracy – of course I do. But, these tests only measure outcomes. [...]
There’s little doubt that most kids witness bullying during their schooling, either as the victim, the perpetrator or as a bystander. Over the years, I have seen many attempts to stamp it out but it seems we’re somewhat up against it. Let’s be honest, our politicians bully each other, the media bullies whoever happens to [...]
So the WA pageant has come and gone, but not without a trail of debris left in its wake. I was greatly alarmed at the news that this pageant also included a swimwear category. Not because I am averse to children wearing swimmers, but because I am completely opposed to children being judged on their [...]
I'm a bit over this whole 'homework' debate! Research findings across the years seem to come to pretty much the same conclusion - there's a good side and a bad side to homework. Nothing new here. I've been a primary teacher for 25 years and avoided what I considered to be useless and time-wasting 'fillers' [...]
Inspiring young women, competitive eating, runaways, how alcohol and smoking harm girls’ skins: some helpful articles in Dolly November 2012 Melinda Tankard Reist Two issues of Dolly in a row (last one here http://melindatankardreist.com/2012/09/girl-watch-mag-mtr-commends-dolly-is-the-world-about-the-end/) about which I’ve found some positive things to say. Perhaps it’s time for Generation Next to find a new reviewer? ‘Dolly [...]
On Wednesday 14th November at 7pm AEDT (6pm in Brisbane, 4pm in Perth & 8am in London) PLANE will be hosting a live online Q&A webinar addressing a range of issues around education and wellbeing. I will be on the panel taking questions alongside 2009 Young Australian of the Year for Tasmania Sam Cawthorn, Daily [...]
(Genuine) Engagement & Wellbeing enhance achievement, yet how many schools pursue achievement at the expense of engagement and wellbeing? The following is an extract from my recently published manifesto, “Still Trying to Find X”. It is essential that we create a Virtuous Cycle for all students in our schools. The Virtuous Cycle relies on having positive relationships at its heart or [...]
Collett Smart from Generation Next on Vimeo.
Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept is a beautifully illustrated picture book that sensitively broaches the subject of keeping our children safe from sexual interference. This book’s focus is sexual abuse prevention, and has been written and illustrated in a way that is neither frightening nor confronting. Story is an excellent medium when talking to children [...]
