News for Parents and community
News for Parents and community is compiled from a range of sources (listed in the right column).
NSW launches virtual selective high school
Thirty students from remote parts of NSW will use the latest technology including laptops, interactive whiteboards, web streaming and videoconferencing as part of a new virtual selective school. The NSW Government's new xsel program allows academically gifted students in remote areas to remain at home, close to their family and friends, instead of travelling to regional centres to attend selective schools.
Source:EdNA
Online Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) site update
As of 1st March 2010 Flash Player 10 is required to do practice tests on the MCQ site.
Source:BoS
Opening of the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has officially opened the $50 million National Centre of Indigenous Excellence (NCIE) in Redfern, Sydney. Created with the support of the Indigenous Land Corporation, the facility will provide world-class facilities in sport, education and the arts for up to 5,000 young Indigenous people from around Australia each year.
Source:EdNA
Government to introduce 'My University' website
Speaking at the Universities Australia Higher Education Conference, Ms Gillard said that following on from the success of the My School website, which publishes rich achievement information about each of Australia's schools, it is now time for the Government to implement a similar tool at the university level. The My University website will inform students about institutions, courses and pathways and showcase the quality of Australia's higher education providers.
Source:EdNA
State training services
This website provides advice and support to: NSW businesses to help them meet their current and future skills needs; people seeking official information and help with apprenticeships and traineeships; and access the vocational training system in NSW for industry, trainers and learners. The latest edition of Training Matters News is also published here.
Source:EdNA
Draft Australian Curriculum released
The Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) has released the draft K-10 Australian Curriculum in English, mathematics, science and history for online viewing and consultation.
Source:EdNA
The igreen and Y Green projects: potential benefits from project expansion
Y Green aims to provide skills development, training and recognition for young people aged 15 to 25 years by providing them with training and paid employment to conduct home sustainability assessments and consultations in their local community. igreen is an accredited secondary school training program designed to provide students with the technical skills required to undertake a residential sustainability assessment, and practical experience in delivering sustainability assessments within their local community. This report argues for an expansion of the Y Green program in terms of greenhouse gas savings, 'green' skills for young people, and community building in local communities.
Source:EdNA
Support for Australia's book industry in the digital age
The Australian Government is establishing a new Book Industry Strategy Group to help Australia's 1.5 billion dollars book industry meet the challenges of increased online book sales and grasp the opportunities presented by the emerging ebook market.
Source:EdNA
E-learning closing the gap for Indigenous Australians
With COAG's target to halve the gap in employment outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians within a decade, the Australian Flexible Learning Framework has been helping Indigenous people use e-learning to sustain their culture and create improved educational opportunities.
Source:EdNA
