Music is universal across human populations as all cultures, from the most primitive to the most advanced, make and listen to music. But what is it about music that we enjoy so much? And, what impact does listening to music have on our overall sense of wellbeing? We ask Dr Margaret Osborne from the University of Melbourne.

Research has found that educators working in primary schools in Australia lack the confidence and competence to address racial issues in the classroom. As well as this, white normative teaching and the belief that minimising discussions about racism is better than drawing attention to them are common behaviours. In this podcast, we discuss the role of school leaders in addressing these behaviours, and how teachers can confront their own biases.

‘[Reflection] does not come naturally to many of the students in our classrooms (perhaps not even to ourselves).’ Head of Department Lia Sharma shares how the Christian Studies teaching team at Sydney’s Roseville College has been working to develop their own and their students’ skills in this area.

A refugee student mentoring program has proved to be successful with South Sudanese students at a school in New South Wales. Here, Greg Whitby sits down with Melinda Bowd to discuss how the program supported students by preparing them for life after school.

‘Commitment to the teaching profession refers to teachers’ sense of connection and investment in the occupation.’ Rebecca Collie, of the University of New South Wales, shares findings of a new study into job supports that appear to help boost teacher commitment.

A new study by researchers at the University of Canberra has seen three- and four-year olds increase their daily total physical activity by 28 minutes, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity by 16 minutes. In today’s Q&A, Dr Rohan Telford and Professor Dick Telford discuss the key findings and the importance of physical literacy in developing primary school readiness.

Reading for pleasure has been shown to have a powerful influence on children’s learning. In our latest reader submission about learning during lockdown, Junior School Curriculum Director Vanessa Collins shares details of the ‘Just Read’ action research project to build a culture of reading at Sydney’s Queenwood School for Girls, and ignite in students a love of reading for pleasure.

The fundamental reason we eat food is to provide our bodies with the nutrients and energy we need to function. But, we often eat for other reasons too. In today’s article we speak to Associate Professor Esben Strodl about emotional eating, why people turn to food in times of stress and why it’s important to understand our emotional triggers.

Warming up before exercise is considered an important part of your overall fitness regime. It is said to help prevent injury, improve performance and prepare you for the task ahead. But what is the most effective way to warm-up before exercise to ensure you gain those benefits? We explore this question with Professor Anthony Blazevich from Edith Cowan University.

‘Walking is more than getting from one place to another.’ Assistant Principal Amanda Alcock shares how her walking routine has helped her to gain perspective, focus and gratitude, and explains why it will always be an important part of her life.