‘Our research shows aspirations for school community engagement in the design of school outdoor spaces are high. … And yet, for many re-designs to schoolyards, engagement does not happen.’  In this article, Hannah Richardson from the University of Canberra shares 3 simple activities for engaging students in schoolyard design.  

Few classrooms can match the Great Barrier Reef. As one of the world’s most remarkable natural environments, it offers students the chance to learn through experience, discovery and connection. A new Australian Government program is subsidising school excursions to this iconic destination, making it possible for more students to visit the Reef and experience its educational benefits firsthand. 

In this episode of School Assembly, Teacher editor Jo Earp catches up with the leaders from all 3 series – Dan McShea from Notre Dame P-12 College in Queensland, Jo Camozzato from Bemin Secondary College in Victoria, and Dr Ray Boyd and Rachael Lehr from Dayton Primary School in Western Australia – to hear all about the progress made at their schools since we last spoke.

Ahead of the 2026 ACEL National Conference – presented in partnership with ACER – Teacher editor Jo Earp is joined by Lisa Newland, CEO of ACEL, and Lisa Rodgers, CEO of ACER, to unpack the conference’s theme of bold leadership. Lisa and Lisa tell us about their approach to leadership, what they’ve learned over the years, and more. 

A recent 2-year research project into outdoor spaces in secondary school settings found many students report insufficient seating at their school. In this article, researcher Hannah Richardson shares considerations for how schools can improve seating options in their setting. 

Spending time outside supports student wellbeing and physical health. New research has examined teachers’ experiences of enabling outdoor play during the school day with the aim to understand how their autonomy, competence, and relatedness interact to shape decision making. We speak to researcher Dr Brendon Hyndman to find out more.

How well is the outdoor space in your school serving students and staff? In this episode of The Research Files, Dominique Beech speaks with Dr Gweneth Leigh and Hannah Richardson from the University of Canberra about their 2-year study into outdoor spaces in secondary school settings, which resulted in plenty of practical tools for educators.

St Theresa’s Primary School Albion in Melbourne’s west is strengthening science learning through a knowledge-rich curriculum focused on Australia’s Great Southern Reef. In today’s article Literacy Leader Jackie O'Connor-Croydon shares more about the P-6 program that integrates field experiences, expert-led learning and sequenced content, to deepen students’ scientific understanding. 

The 2026 recipient of the Global Teacher Prize has been announced – Rouble Nagi from India took out the top prize. One Australian teacher was a top 10 finalist this year – Colleen O’Rourke from the Hills Cristian Community School in Adelaide, South Australia. Teacher caught up with her shortly after she was named a finalist to find out about the work she’s been recognised for. 

The new ‘water classroom’ at All Saints’ College in Western Australia is designed to bring curriculum, culture and wellbeing together in one place. In today’s photo story, we learn more about the physical space, how it encourages students to engage with their natural environment, and the impact on their mental health and wellbeing.