Rich Schools, Poor Schools
Jun 12, 2026
Australia’s schooling system is among the most highly segregated in the OECD. Public schools educate the majority of disadvantaged students, while there is concentrated advantage in private schools.
This situation can be attributed, in large part, to our school funding arrangements. Recent research from the Australian Education Union shows “over half of Australia’s private schools now receive more combined government funding per student from both the federal and state governments, than similar public schools”.
Read the article in The Conversation, sparked by an essay by public school advocate, Jane Caro explaining how we find ourselves in this situation.
Given all that, we applaud public school teachers for finding the funds to inspire students through arts experiences.
Image: Donnna-Leigh Perfect in The Resilient Rockstar Show in a government primary school.
Develop children's spatial skills - how and why.
Good spatial skills are linked to good maths skills which are a better predictor of school success than reading or social-emotional skills.
Ok - so how to encourage good spatial skills in young children?
1. Play with blocks not just for the manipulation of the blocks but also it develops the use of
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In Vic? Oedipus the King touring live
This term, two of Complete Works' live tours finish - Oedipus the King (image above) and Medea. Lots of other productions for Term 3 & 4, both live and online. Details here
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Coming soon - Sleeping Beauty Ballet - Sydney
The McDonald College's next production is The Sleeping Beauty, the perfect introduction to classical ballet for primary students and a treat for anyone who already loves it. Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, a wicked fairy, a sleeping princess, a hundred years, and a kiss that breaks the spell.