Exceptional teachers, disadvantaged schools
A course that prepares preservice teachers to work in disadvantaged schools will be rolled out to eight universities over the next three years. Originally developed at Queensland University of Technology, the National Exceptional Teachers for Disadvantaged School program aims to produce teachers willing and able to work in schools where students experience educational disadvantage.
Churchill Fellowships available
The Churchill Fellowship provides support to people wishing to undertake overseas research that will benefit Australians. In 2014 Churchill Fellowships in Education include the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation Churchill Fellowship for the study of early childhood and/or primary education; and the Northern Districts Education Centre Fellowship for the study of a project in the field of school and/or preschool education. The closing date for applications is 19 February 2014.
Details: www.churchilltrust.com.au
Helping students fit in
Barnardos Australia and OfficeMax are offering Max e Grants of $5000 to schools and preschools to support children experiencing disadvantage. Teachers, counsellors or administrators can apply for the grants which could be used for uniforms, books, equipment, tuition or excursions. Applications close on 24
March 2014.
Details: www.bmaxe.com.au
Lack of rhythm debunks tired myth
Should schools start their classes later to ensure teens have a better chance at academic success? A new study reveals that later start times are a big help for adolescents at the mercy of their circadian rhythms. In the study that appears in the latest Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, researchers noted that “Most teenagers undergo a biological shift to a later sleep-wake cycle, which can make early school start times particularly challenging”.
The study concluded “daytime sleepiness, depressed mood and caffeine use were all significantly reduced after the delay in school start time”.
Sleep, which in the past was often judged as a 'lazy' excuse for students’ poor education performance, is now being demonstrated in numerous peer-reviewed studies as having a far greater influence than educators previously suspected.
Details: http://bit.ly/1f2PuOk
The Show is coming to town
The Royal Easter Show 10-23 April includes a schools program called Engaged, all about promoting agriculture. The Royal Agricultural Society of Australia website provides classroom resources about farm animals and produce for primary students and subject specific resources for secondary students. There are also itineries for teachers to make the most out of an excursion to the Show. Additionally students can get involved with competitions.
Details: www.rasnsw.com.au/engaged