SUMMIT BLOG

As a school leader, I know firsthand how heavy the load can feel as the term progresses. The start of the term may feel fresh, but it’s often the best time to reflect and prepare for the challenges ahead. This very thought inspired my research question: “Who is Caring for the Carers?”

In today’s fast-evolving educational landscape, the integration of technology into teaching and learning is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Our approach is rooted in a shared vision, deliberate strategies, and a strong culture of collaboration, all aimed at using technology to support authentic teaching and learning experiences.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that over 90% of children with disabilities attend mainstream schools across the country. This statistic initially surprised me, even though I was part of that very group during my time as a student.

In today's rapidly evolving educational landscape, the journey from classroom teacher to educational leader requires more than just theoretical knowledge—it demands practical skills, real-world application, and a supportive professional network. This reality stands at the heart of an innovative professional development stream at the upcoming National Education Summit, designed specifically for aspiring and current teacher leaders who are ready to elevate their impact on student learning outcomes and simultaneously, grow their leadership.

In Australia, the journey from school to work can be fraught with challenges, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people. Socioeconomic barriers, cultural disconnection, and historical disadvantages often hinder their opportunities for meaningful employment and career development.

Educators have increasingly noticed a significant drop in student engagement between Years 7 and 9, often referred to as the “big dip”. A study of NSW Department of Education, which tracked nearly 8,000 students, revealed a notable drop in motivation and engagement during these year levels.

‘A blueprint for classroom management – authentic techniques you can implement immediately’ is a workshop led by Ash Curmi, an experienced teacher and mentor with 11 years in the field. Ash will be presenting in the Knowledge Centre at the National Education Summit in Brisbane 2025.

Another National Education Summit Melbourne pencilled into the books. For those who spend much of their time attending education spaces, this one always holds the potential to be a good one. Participants get the sense of being a part of the community, not just amid a stream of vendors selling their wares. A real sense of shared camaraderie permeates the lofty roofed spaces.

Preventing failure – sounds a negative way of looking at things, but in reality it’s anything but negative! It’s something we all need to be aware of in our schools, but it’s also a huge challenge for busy teachers with many different needs to address in their classes. 

Whilst working with a student for many years as a withdrawal teacher for behaviour support, his teachers kept asking me to provide them with strategies and to work with him to make better choices. They seemed to think he was conniving, manipulative and purposefully choosing to lie in order to get out of being in trouble or facing consequences.

In today's interconnected world, the ability to communicate in multiple languages is more valuable than ever. As educators, we recognize the importance of equipping our students with skills that extend beyond the traditional curriculum, fostering a global mindset from an early age.

In the online world, algorithms are having an increasingly pervasive and persuasive influence on our daily decision-making, ranging from the music we listen to, to which political party we are going to vote for. The recent influx of generative AI platforms like ChatGPT has further expanded the reach and impact of algorithms in our lives.

My school does not have the latest and greatest robots, so how can I teach the Digital Technologies curriculum? Great news! Digital Technologies can often be taught just as effectively without the need for $5000 worth of robots by utilising a combination of unplugged and plugged activities.

As educators, we're all too familiar with the daily challenges of managing a classroom full of diverse learners. Whether you're in Brisbane or Auckland, the struggle to create an inclusive environment where every student feels valued and engaged is universal.

Financial literacy is a crucial life skill, and it’s declining. Several leading educators want it included in the curriculum, with some states and schools having done so. For those yet to, this cheat sheet will help explain how financial literacy can be taught and where it fits in the curriculum.

In 2016, based on our joint passion for indigenous culture, we formed Didgeridoo Australia to share  and inspire others. We wanted to promote a clearer understanding of First Nations cultures within Australia, to raise the profile of this cultural treasure that is often overlooked in Australian society.

Teaching Aussie kids it’s okay to fall short - and sometimes failure can even be fun - is the centrepiece of an innovative new program aimed at building confidence in the classroom. Authors Adam Wallace and Ingrid Laguna have teamed up for the school incursion which has been swamped by demand since its launch.

In 2016, based on our joint passion for indigenous culture, we formed Didgeridoo Australia to share  and inspire others. We wanted to promote a clearer understanding of First Nations cultures within Australia, to raise the profile of this cultural treasure that is often overlooked in Australian society.

Introducing the world of coding to 5-10 year olds can be daunting, confusing and overwhelming, yet even our youngest students are capable of understanding coding if we provide it in the right context. Many teachers overlook this age group, believing they lack the capabilities to understand code, its use and how to write, edit and debug it effectively.

In the fast-changing world of education, keeping up isn't just a goal—it's a must. The National Education Summit Brisbane is a great opportunity for educators looking to stay on top of these changes. Taking place on Friday 2 – Saturday 3 August at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, this event is packed with insights, resources, and networking chances that can help educators transform their approach.

The Australian education landscape is rapidly evolving, and educators everywhere are seeking innovative ways to prepare students for the future. At the forefront of this movement is the exciting world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, with a particular emphasis on robotics and coding.

Last year Beyond the Classroom Australia launched a new program – Dare To Be A Rockstar Teacher taking the well-being sector of education by storm with this bespoke program.

For young people in Australia, digital literacy is no longer just an advantage – it’s a necessity. Children are entering online spaces earlier in life than ever before, and risks in the digital world evolve quickly. As a result, the fast-moving world of digital literacy education is often left on the backburner.

For young people in Australia, digital literacy is no longer just an advantage – it’s a necessity. Children are entering online spaces earlier in life than ever before, and risks in the digital world evolve quickly. As a result, the fast-moving world of digital literacy education is often left on the backburner.

Permission granted. Just as teachers were breaking for the holidays in December 2023, the Australian Framework for Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Schools [1] was released, lifting the blanket ban of ChatGPT in public schools to give way to an enabling policy that empowers educators to bring AI into their classrooms. 

Technology can be used to expand opportunities for students to participate in deep learning and inspire creative reimagining of what learning looks like – but there’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach.

Essay grading is a daunting task, and for most teachers, it can take up a significant chunk of the day. But with online essay grading software becoming more advanced, Remboint director Dr Robert Williams says that teachers can potentially save hours of their time, leaving them free to focus on more individual areas of improvement.

Every day in Australian schools, overflowing bins hold the remnants of uneaten lunches and food scraps. This wasted food represents not just a financial burden, but a missed opportunity to equip our future generation with the knowledge and values to create a more sustainable future.

Essay grading is a daunting task, and for most teachers, it can take up a significant chunk of the day. But with online essay grading software becoming more advanced, Remboint director Dr Robert Williams says that teachers can potentially save hours of their time, leaving them free to focus on more individual areas of improvement.

In classrooms across the world, educators are at a crossroads where technology, learning methodologies, and culture intersect. Classrooms of the past stand in stark contrast to today’s dynamic environments.