Values Education Forums

The Commonwealth Government's school values education forums initiative began in 2004 and concluded on 30 June 2008.

Over 67% of New South Wales public schools took the opportunity to hold a forum and over 250,000 students, teachers and parents participated in forum activities.

Reports from values education forums indicate that they were used to complement, extend and articulate the work in values education that was already occurring in schools.

School values education forums and the discussion arising from them has further strengthened understanding and communication within school communities. New South Wales public schools have raised awareness of the importance of the explicit teaching of values and have promoted the values that are inherent in public education.

The forums have involved a whole school approach which recognises the importance of partnerships with parents and the school community. Reports indicate that many values education forums were led by students.  Many schools held a series of values focused events and activities rather than a single event. Values education forum reports also indicate that schools recognise that values education can transform school culture.

Parents and community members have a clearer understanding of how New South Wales public schools teach and model values and of the significant role public schools play in developing an egalitarian and socially cohesive Australian society.