Science results steady
Science literacy results for Australian students remain steady, according to the latest report from the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA).
The 2023 National Assessment Program – Science Literacy (NAP–SL) Report reveals that Year 6 and Year 10 students’ proficiency levels have shown minimal change since 2018.
The report highlights persistent disparities among sub-groups. The gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students remains significant and unchanged for Year 6, and slightly wider for Year 10. Additionally, students’ science literacy improves notably with higher levels of parental occupation and education. Further, metropolitan students consistently outperform those from regional or remote areas.
The 2023 assessment also reveals that students who engage more frequently in Critical and Creative Thinking (CCT) activities have higher science literacy levels.
Calls for STEM education to address real-world issues
Most STEM education in Australian schools focuses on robotics and coding, sidelining real-world problems, according to a study led by Australian Catholic University. Researchers call for a shift to more relevant and impactful STEM education.
The study, involving almost 200 principals and teachers, uncovered a ‘risk-averse’ approach that avoids complex topics such as climate change.
Associate professor Mellita Jones said teachers needed to upskill to provide meaningful education that empowers students to tackle global issues.
The researchers propose a new approach, called ‘Vision 4,’ which encourages students to engage with the social and political aspects of STEM.
The full research is published in the International Journal of Science Education.
Enhancing the school/home partnership
New family engagement resources available from Catholic School Parents Australia (CSPA).
The resources appear on the Gearing Up for Parent Engagement website.
Funded by the Australian government, these resources include six video-workshops and facilitator guides tailored for primary and secondary schools.
Featuring insights from specialists such s Andrew Fuller and Prof John Hattie, these resources empower local facilitators to lead workshops exploring family engagement in learning and wellbeing.
Pope empowers mission leaders
Emphasising the significance for the Church’s ongoing mission, Pope Francis shared three crucial words with the National Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) in Rome: Communion, Creativity and Tenacity.
The Pope interpreted these words in a missionary context, stressing the importance of communal spirituality and the Church’s synodal journey.
Francis’ message was that creativity, rooted in God’s work, drives missionary activity, inspiring new ways of evangelisation. While tenacity reflects the Triune God’s determined love in fulfilling salvation’s plan.
Online child abuse a pressing global crisis
More than 300 million children globally have experienced online sexual abuse and exploitation in the past year alone.
The alarming findings come from the Childlight Global Child Safety Institute, in partnership with UNSW Sydney.
Offenses include non-consensual sharing of sexual images, online solicitation, and sextortion, facilitated by AI deepfake technology.
The report, drawing from extensive research and analysis, underscores the urgent need for universal measures to combat child sexual exploitation, emphasising the critical role of prevention and intervention efforts.
Read the report.
Stop It Now! Australia works with adults concerned about their own or someone else’s sexual thoughts or behaviours towards children. Call the anonymous helpline on 1800-01-1800 or access resources at www.stopitnow.org.au.
Young people and parents most affected by natural disasters
Extreme weather events are significantly affecting the mental health of Australians, especially young people and parents, according to a recent report.
The 2024 Extreme Weather, Mental Health & Suicidality Report shows that nearly all Australians are worried about the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather.
Specifically, a vast majority of young people aged 18-24 and most parents report that natural disasters have affected their mental health. Climate-related stress hinders daily life for most young people and parents.
Chief research officer Dr Anna Brooks emphasises the importance of taking action to reduce anxiety and encourages parents to support young people through honest conversations and proactive behaviours. Find a Support Toolkit provided by Lifeline Australia at www.lifeline.org.au.
What’s on
ACRATH Melbourne Run: raise much-needed dollars for education, advocacy, and victim/survivor support programs.
When: Sunday, 21 July 2024?Time: 9am for 10km run and 10am for 5.2km run (participants are expected to present 45-60 minutes before the start)
Where: Start line is Batman Avenue. The finish line is at the event hub, Grand Slam Oval, Melbourne Olympic Park
Find out more.
Quo Vadis for Men 2024: designed for men aged 18-35, Quo Vadis offers a space for discerning the priesthood among like-minded individuals. This on-site features prayer sessions, dynamic talks, small group discussions, and prayer experiences.
When: 5pm, Friday, 2-Sunday, 4 August
Where: Holy Spirit Seminary, 487 Earnshaw Road, Banyo
Cost: $100?Contact them here.
AC+ Professional Learning session: Music mission
Guests: Fiona Dyball is a musician, educator and liturgist based in Melbourne
Teaching idea: Analysing well-known hymns to teach theological concepts
Date: Tuesday, 30 July
Time: 4.30-5.30pm AEST
Subscribers book here.