Student welfare

During the period of remote learning in New South Wales, Mathematics teacher Holly Millican from South Grafton High School used several activities to keep her students engaged and accountable, and in today’s video, she shares them with Teacher readers.

What is biophilic design? How does it differ from sustainable design? And why should schools be taking a lead from early childhood settings in adopting this approach for projects and programs? Architect and author Sarah Scott discusses biophilic design and its benefits in today’s article.

A recent survey conducted by Mission Australia highlights how the experiences of young people with a disability differ to young people living without disability. Topics included inclusion, issues of personal concern and post-school plans. Here, we look at how some of their responses compare.

‘These are unprecedented times and teachers have done an incredible job adapting to the many challenges the pandemic has presented.’ In her latest Teacher article, Julia Gillard discusses how Australian schools have been putting a greater focus on mental health and wellbeing, and shares advice and resources to support staff, students and families.

Researchers from Macquarie University and QUT conducted a series of interviews with students to hear their memories of former teachers to determine the quality and consistency of these relationships over time. In today’s article, Associate Professor Penny Van Bergen shares some of the key findings to come from the research.

Teachers are being invited to participate in a trial of an online mental health training program developed by the Black Dog Institute. It’s hoped the training will help educators identify and respond to changes in students’ mental health. Here, we speak to the Chief Investigator of the project.

In this monthly series, we take a look at some further readings available on a particular topic, including open access research papers from various online catalogues. This month’s theme is digital literacy.

As a Year 8 Advisor at a secondary school in New South Wales, David Williams works with students on their wellbeing and social and emotional development. He uses Teacher magazine to stay informed about the latest research on student welfare.

‘In school communities we are indeed “all in this together” however, that does not mean one context fits all.’ In today’s article, Dr Helen Street discusses the importance of acknowledging students’ different experiences, the need for positive relationships, and providing opportunities for autonomy and agency.

What is epilepsy? How does the condition impact on a student’s learning? And what do school leaders, teachers and anyone with a duty of care in K-12 settings need to know? In this Q&A, Teacher speaks to Wendy Groot, President of Epilepsy Australia, to find out more.