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Education

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Former senator Mitch Fifield in 2019.

Former UN ambassador urges no vote on Palestinian recognition

Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong refused to say how Australia would vote, but there are divisions within Labor over the emotive issue.

  • by Matthew Knott and James Massola

Latest

Sydney schools

Who’s bankrolling Sydney’s private school fees? The bank of nan and pop

More parents are missing school payments as they struggle with massive mortgage payments. Cashed-up baby boomers are here to help.

  • by Christopher Harris
A clash developed at a pro-Palestinian encampment at Monash University on Wednesday when pro-Israel supporters attempted to storm a stage where speeches were being conducted.

Sydney, Monash unis warn students as Dreyfus refuses legal advice

Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus noted that people could make a complaint under the Racial Discrimination Act if they were concerned about phrases being used by protesters.

  • by James Massola, David Crowe, Daniella White and Sherryn Groch
Veyaan Singh sat the test on Thursday.

‘Publish the marks’: Parents bristle at secret selective school entry scores

Parents like Rav Singh are annoyed that his son Veyaan, who sat the test on Thursday, doesn’t know where he stands.

  • by Christopher Harris
Chifley College, in North St Marys, was sent into lockdown after reports of a student with a knife on Thursday.

Student with knife sends Sydney school into lockdown, staff member injured

A Sydney school was sent into lockdown after a student allegedly brought a knife to school. A teacher was cut while disarming the teenager.

  • by Perry Duffin
An uneasy stand-off formed at Melbourne University this month between a Jewish community rally and students protesting against university ties to weapons companies and Israel’s war in Gaza.
Opinion

When uni students endorse terror, it’s time for political intervention

The university protests in Australia arising from the Israel-Gaza conflict have moved beyond a debate about free speech.

  • by David Crowe
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Aisha Khodary has spent almost every night at the Monash encampment.
Opinion

Uni protests are messy, but they prove that campuses have come back to life

A sad legacy of lockdowns is that too many of us are unable to stop and listen to another side. But the noise of the encampments shows that campuses have come back to life.

  • by Alexandra Wake
Students and supportrers attend a rally protesting Israel’s war in Gaza at an encampment at University of Sydney.
Exclusive

University chiefs seek federal advice on ‘intifada’ calls

The universities have written to Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus to gain formal advice on whether the pro-Palestinian demand is a breach of federal law.

  • by David Crowe
Palestinian and Israeli supporters confront each other at Monash University on Wednesday.
Exclusive

University orders removal of ‘Zionist not welcome’ signs as protests escalate

As scuffles broke out at a pro-Palestine encampment at an Australian university, the institution confirmed it was acting after days of pressure on vice chancellors.

  • by Paul Sakkal and Alex Crowe
This book prompted complaints from parents, councillor Steve Christou said.
Editorial

Same-sex families don’t just belong in Newtown: they belong everywhere

The ugly topic of censorship made an unwelcome return to the headlines this week.

  • The Herald's View
Boys from Yarra Valley Grammar have been suspended for ranking girls in categories on a chat group.
Opinion

What are the consequences of being a ‘wifey’ or ‘unrapable’? I hope those girls never find out

When my own high school rating list came out, that ranking stayed with me forever. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.

  • by Katy Hall
ASIC has had its first major greenwashing court win, as Vanguard was found liable of misleading consumers.

More than 40 staff at northern beaches school targeted with malware by colleague

Police say school staff had personal information including credit card details allegedly stolen by Aaron Pennesi. Police also allegedly found child abuse material.

  • by Sally Rawsthorne
Anna Bligh, chief executive of the Australian Banking Association,
Exclusive

Banks open to overlooking student debt in home loans – but there’s a catch

The banks say it should be up to financial regulators to determine whether student debt gets special treatment in mortgage assessments.

  • by Natassia Chrysanthos and Angus Thompson
Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Cyber Security Clare O’Neil
Exclusive

Minister vows to ‘weed out the bottom feeders’ in university system

Private colleges have been told to stop recruiting fake overseas students within six months or risk losing their licences.

  • by David Crowe
School enrolment figures have been released for 2024.
Exclusive

Revealed: Sydney’s most overcrowded primary and high schools

While one public school has hit 2200 students, others are sitting underused with room for hundreds more pupils. Search the full list to see how crowded your school is.

  • by Lucy Carroll and Nigel Gladstone
The Saudi government revealed at a conference in February that an investment licence had been granted to Wollongong University.

This Australian uni is considering expanding into Saudi Arabia. It’s caused a stir back home

The institution was the first foreign university to be granted a licence to explore opening in the authoritarian kingdom.

  • by Daniella White
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister for Education Jason Clare.
Opinion

Until Labor arrests the ballooning cost of uni, students are still being short-changed

It remains to be seen how much difference a sometimes-reduced rate of indexation is going to make. Certainly, some. But the root of the problem remains.

  • by Rachel Withers
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister for Education Jason Clare visit a school on Monday, announcing budget measures to reduce the financial burden of university.

Completion bonuses on the cards in university overhaul

Education Minister Jason Clare’s vision for getting more disadvantaged students into universities will be outlined in next week’s budget.

  • by Natassia Chrysanthos
North Sydney Boys’ Jordan Ho, who achieved a 99.95 ATAR.

Forty-nine students got 99.95 ATARs. These are the HSC subjects they chose

Aside from compulsory English, there was one common subject among the elite group.

  • by Christopher Harris
Professor George Williams AO, the new vice chancellor of Western Sydney University.

Western Sydney University announces new vice chancellor

Professor George Williams AO, a current deputy vice chancellor at the University of NSW, has been announced as the new leader of Western Sydney University.

  • by Josefine Ganko
Many university graduates will benefit from the Albanese government’s HECS changes.
Opinion

The government’s HECS change is good, but another tweak is still needed

Timing is important – and that’s one of the clear shortfalls in the federal government’s surprise for young people with student loans.

  • by Millie Muroi
Darruy Briggs, Elsie Peckham, Jayalaani Webb, all 10, from  Gumbaynggirr Giingana Freedom School Coffs Harbour

‘They’d be so proud’: The 10-year-olds accepting challenge laid for them 40 years ago

One school keeping an ancient Indigenous language alive is helping to close the gap through cultural education and it hopes to spread the joy.

  • by Catherine Naylor
Excuse me, sir, how equal is equal?

Student incomes to receive further government boost as Labor goes after youth vote

Education Minister Jason Clare also warned any intimidation on university campuses was “intolerable”.

  • by Angus Thompson and Matthew Knott
St Joseph’s College at Hunters Hill
Exclusive

Sydney private schools harness parent donations for scholarships

A Herald analysis of financial reports from more than 20 schools shows scholarship and bursary budgets have grown to a total value of more than $200 million.

  • by Lucy Carroll and Nigel Gladstone
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Education Minister Jason Clare.

Labor wipes $3b off student loans as cost-of-living relief measure

Facing blowback over its agenda to help financially insecure Millennials, Labor has revealed a major change to the calculation of student loan indexation.

  • by Paul Sakkal
School systems would need to hit higher attendance and NAPLAN targets under the expert panel’s report.
Exclusive

School students missed more than 9 million days of learning last year. Here’s why

Attendance levels remain below pre-pandemic levels, while a third of public school students are leaving before finishing year 12.

  • by Lucy Carroll and Nigel Gladstone
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The pro-Palestinian encampment at the University of Sydney.
Opinion

I’ve seen the fear of Jewish students and colleagues: One academic’s plea to uni protesters

I am no fan of Benjamin Netanyahu and the war he is prosecuting, but I am deeply concerned by the illiberal and simplistic turn that the protests at Sydney University are taking.

  • by Catharine Lumby
Pro-Palestine protest and encampment at University of Sydney’s quad lawns.

‘Part of who we are’: Why Sydney Uni vice chancellor allows protest camp to stay

Vice chancellor Mark Scott says a few pro-Palestinian student activists were under investigation for inappropriate behaviour but their protest campsite will remain on campus.

  • by Daniella White
University of Sydney’s pro-Palestinian encampment.

‘No-go areas for Jewish students’: Pro-Palestinian university camps grow

The number of pro-Palestinian campsites have now been set up at four universities, prompting calls from Jewish groups for them to be dismantled.

  • by Christopher Harris
Education Minister Jason Clare is demanding states reveal how they are spending federal money on disadvantaged students.

‘No blank cheques’: Clare ties extra school funding to help for disadvantaged students

NSW and Victoria claim that onerous reporting conditions tied to the proposed 2.5 per cent funding increase will only add to pressures on teachers.

  • by Angus Thompson
Riverside Girls High has reported rising HSC maths results.

How this Sydney school doubled its top scores in HSC maths

The number of students tackling advanced and extension maths has plummeted to record lows in the past three years – but there is a way to reverse the trend.

  • by Lucy Carroll
Christy Moses uses Shebah to book rides for her daughters, Mackenzie and Sailor.

‘The village isn’t around’: Parents book drivers for afternoon juggle

More parents are turning to ride-share services for children, as the end of working from home puts pressure on families.

  • by Mary Ward
Molly Ticehurst died in the regional NSW town of Forbes.

Male anger problem needs radical action

A royal commission is a good idea, but only if the government commits to implementing the recommendations. This needs to be a whole of community approach, not just whole of government.

Education Minister Jason Clare is facing a united front of state ministers demanding more public school funding.
Exclusive

‘Shortchanging kids’: States demand extra $12b in united front over schools

States are accusing the federal government of shortchanging students as they seek a 5 per cent increase in school funding from the Commonwealth.

  • by Angus Thompson and Natassia Chrysanthos
University vice-chancellor salaries will be up for debate at the latest education ministers’ meeting.
Exclusive

Inside the plan that could rein in vice chancellor salaries and overhaul uni boards

A new taskforce to police how universities are run will be pitched to state education ministers, as figures reveal the extent of corporatisation of university councils.

  • by Sherryn Groch
Brothers Jude and Nate Roberts enjoying a healthy breakfast at their home.

Private school students were asked what they’d eaten for breakfast. Later that day, they were scored

A study quizzed students about the nutritional quality of their breakfast and then made them sit a test later in the day.

  • by Christopher Harris
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The pro-Palestinian encampment started by students on the university quad.

‘Our university is scared’: Sydney Uni students join wave of US college encampments

Colleges across the United States have been rocked by mass protests at institutions which began at Columbia University on April 17 and quickly spread to other institutions.

  • by Daniella White
O’Farrell believes politicians have unique skills that they can contribute to diplomacy.
Exclusive

Student visa crackdown risks bilateral relations, says former top diplomat

The Albanese government’s fix for migration has come under fire from the opposition and former high commissioner to India Barry O’Farrell.

  • by Angus Thompson
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says the budget will have to focus on both economic growth and bringing down inflation.

Chalmers prepares for weak economy to hit budget bottom line

Jim Chalmers is on track to deliver successive budget surpluses, but a slowing economy may force the nation’s finances back into the red.

  • by Shane Wright
Some universities, including at least one prestigious Group of Eight institution, have taken the drastic step of banning or limiting applications from countries deemed at high risk of visa refusal.
Exclusive

Unis ban Indian student applications as visa rejections hit record high

Some universities, including at least one prestigious Group of Eight institution, have taken the drastic step of banning or limiting applications from countries deemed at high risk of visa refusal.

  • by Daniella White
A record 18,544 students will sit for the selective school test in May, competing for about 4200 places.

Record 18,500 students sit selective school test on paper for last time

Selective school and opportunity class testing will move online for the first time in 2025.

  • by Lucy Carroll
Teaching academics have criticised any push to mandate the use of one teaching strategy.

Schools have been ordered to use this teaching method. Will staff comply?

After decades of the reading wars, another ideological culture battle is set to ignite when teachers return from their school holidays.

  • by Christopher Harris
Year 4 student Alice Ou will sit for the opportunity class placement test in August.
Exclusive

Fewer girls enrolled in opportunity classes as test comes under review

The gender gap in NSW’s public school opportunity classes is growing, with the proportion of girls in the classes falling to 39.5 per cent.

  • by Lucy Carroll
Jamal Daoud was taken aback to find his child was attending a prayer group in a secular school without his consent.
Exclusive

Parent’s anger over child joining school prayer group without consent

A Muslim community leader has questioned whether NSW public high schools are doing enough to guard against extremism among students.

  • by Carrie Fellner and Lucy Carroll
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese flagged potential changes around HECs.

‘Simpler and fairer’: Albanese flags HECS changes in budget relief

The prime minister says he will announce soon a response to a recommended overhaul of HECS as calls come from the crossbench to look at wiping student debt.

  • by Angus Thompson
Bella Westaway
Opinion

I made mistakes at university, just not enough of them

The mistakes you make during uni will shape your life, in big and small ways. So don’t overthink it – just enjoy the ride.

  • by Bella Westaway
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Visa rules are to be eased for “genuine” foreign students.
Exclusive

Whistleblower professor accused of ‘serious misconduct’ sues Sydney Uni

A leading brain researcher is suing the University of Sydney after he was fired for “serious misconduct”. He says it was in retaliation for whistleblowing.

  • by Daniella White
Harvey Norman CEO Katie Page with Auburn Girls High School students (l-r) Hasini Poddaturu, Adeena Khan and Sarah Chaudhary.

Part-time work during HSC should boost university options

One vice chancellor says ATARs should not be the only factor for university entry, as Harvey Norman’s chief executive says her company will donate millions of dollars to help disadvantaged girls reach higher education.

  • by Christopher Harris
NSW Education Minister Prue Car said school budget cuts were being  made to “a small amount of discretionary funding.”
Exclusive

NSW cut public school budgets. Now it’s asking for an extra $8 billion

The NSW government and Commonwealth are at loggerheads over funding contributions to the state’s public schools.

  • by Lucy Carroll
Opinion

Public schools have an image problem, even without funding cuts

Enrolments at public schools have been dropping and this is cited as a key reason behind a slashing of schools’ budgets, revealed to principals in an all-staff note earlier this week.

  • by Alexandra Smith