Secondary schools occupy a special place in the learning journey for students, sandwiched between primary and post-school options. In episode 9 of School Assembly, we chat to Jo Camozzato about what that means, in terms of linking it all together.

How can schools work with parents effectively to support student attendance? New research suggests families can be unaware of the extent of their child’s absences and aren’t concerned about them missing school. We speak with Dr Anna Saavedra about the study findings and practical strategies for highlighting the importance of attendance with parents.

In today’s reader submission, Anam Javed – Master Teacher in Residence for Technologies at the Victorian Academy of Teacher and Leadership – provides an overview of design thinking, including 2 illustrative examples, and shares some misconceptions of the approach.

‘We know that mathematics anxiety and poor mathematics attitudes negatively impact mathematical learning and achievement-related choices.’ In this article, Dr Shani Sniedze and Dr Sarah Buckley share details of new resources to foster positive mathematics engagement for all students in the classroom and reduce the negative impact of mathematics anxiety.

The longstanding Prime Minister’s Prizes for Excellence in Science Teaching recognise one primary and one secondary STEM teacher for their outstanding contribution to the field. The 2023 winners were announced late last year and in this episode, we speak with them both about the work they’ve been recognised for.

In this Q&A, we speak to Rob Walker, Deputy President of the New South Wales Primary Principal’s Association, about how its statewide initiative is responding to the needs of school leaders by helping staff and parents to recognise and respond to anxiety in children.

School absence has an impact on student outcomes, so being aware of attendance rates for your class, year group, or whole school, and understanding the reasons behind the absence is important. With this information to hand, what will make a difference? That’s the topic of Dr Kirsten Hancock’s research.

In our first reader submission of the new year, Dr Rebecca J Collie shares findings from her latest study showing the link between teacher motivation, wellbeing and retention, and how this can help school leaders support staff.

Artificial Intelligence is now a hot topic in teaching and learning. For the last 3 years, Digital Technologies teacher Jo Rea has been developing an AI ethical inquiry unit for year 5 students to help them build their ethical understanding of different AI tools and technologies. Here she shares the phases, classroom activities and student responses.

School Assembly is the podcast series from Teacher that explores what it takes to build a new school from the ground up. In episode 5, we talk to Jo Camozzato, Principal of Bemin Secondary College, about the physical build at the dual campus site.