December

A boys’ only group that involves adult male readers is helping a targeted group of students at Rockdale Public School to improve their literacy. Find out more.

An accelerated reading program has increased reading and comprehension levels among students at Bemboka Public School. Read more here.

Gosford High School science head teacher Mark Butler has added the NSW Scientist of the Year 2008 Awards to his long list of teaching achievements by winning the Leadership in Secondary Science Teaching category. Find out more.

Did Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s apology on the behalf of the nation to the Stolen Generations earlier this year mark a true beginning of reconciliation? Or was it merely a public relations exercise? Both notions were put forward during the Sydney region’s second annual Aboriginal secondary students’ debate held at NSW Parliament last term. Learn more here.

While Australia’s finest athletes were sweating it out in their quest for gold in Beijing, 314 Sydney infant school students were having their own Olympic-themed experience at Yeo Park Infants School. Read more here.

The Kindergarten class of 2008 at Buninyong Public School was the first cohort to benefit from the extended transition program established with the opening of the adjoining school community centre in 2006. The program aims to increase the children’s school readiness skills and ensure a positive start to school for the students – and their parents. Learn more here.

Engineering students from nine NSW public schools have participated in a pilot project designed to provide a “real-life” experience and highlight engineering as a future career. Read more here.

The first steps towards man walking on Mars may have begun in a laboratory at Oxley High School. That is where Philip Bryden, NASA’s United Space Alliance leader for the new space launch vehicle, Ares, developed his love of science. Find out more.

At Kingsgrove High School, a successful and unique partnership between deputy principal Mary Frangoulis and “genius” Year 10 student Peter N has given students an innovative online tool to help them determine their most suitable career options and realistic study pathways. Learn more here.