Current Issues:-

EDUCATION IS NOT JUST ABOUT THE THREE R'S

Reports that the State Government is to create two new schools that provide students with leadership, communication and teamwork experiences is welcomed. Most of us would agree that a good education should be more than just one that concentrates on academic results only. While providing the foundations for learning, reading, writing and arithmetic; the education system should also provide students with a broad range of experiences that develop personal interests and teach 'life skills'.

There is no doubt that the Alpine School at Dinner Plain established by the previous government has proven invaluable for those students fortunate enough to be selected to attend it for a term. Two additional schools providing a similar live-in challenging curriculum would certainly permit more students this experience. But, at the end of the day, very few of Victoria's 820,000 or so students will ever get the opportunity to attend any of these schools.

However there are opportunities to provide all students with a broader range of experiences that should be a part of their education. The government errs to concentrate on the flagship elite programs while ignoring many excellent programs that are already in place.

For example, most schools have a well-developed camping or tour experience program. Such programs exist in both primary and secondary schools and range from extended camping experiences with peers to cultural excursions in the city. Some schools own their own camps, others make use of the many privately owned and operated school camps around Victoria. Taking young people away from the comforts of home and accommodating them with their peers helps them to learn much about life. The State Government could do much more to facilitate this experience for all students by funding a camp coordinator position in large schools or in school clusters.

Experiential programs are just as important for young people. City students should be offered opportunities to learn about the country and country kids about the city. One program that has been of great benefit to country students has been the STAR program where government has provided funding of approximately $100 for every grade six student to enable them to visit Scienceworks and the Museum and the like.

Country students have usually stayed in Melbourne for a few days and have also incorporated the Parliament, the MCG and the Arts Centre in their visit. The government-supported Minimbah Hostel has been a very popular and affordable accommodation venue for country schools during these visits. The State Government has announced it will cease funding for both the Star Program and the Minimbah Hostel at the end of 2004. This will mean the end of the city experience for many grade six students. So while the Minister for Education says the education system should be teaching life skills, the actions of her government in this instance is quite the contrary.

The move to broaden educational objectives beyond that of academic performance is to be applauded. But let's not be fooled that the establishment of two extra experiential school camps for selected students is the answer. A far greater number of students would benefit by the government investing in and supporting schools running their current camping programs and contributing to programs that facilitate diverse experiences.

PETER HALL M.L.C.