Studiosity Blog

What makes a school community great? We talk to leaders about their learning culture and their own personal perspectives on Australian education today. 

Who are you meeting this week? Let's go to Western Australia...

Universities Australia (UA), the peak body representing Australia’s public universities, held its 9th conference in Canberra last week, and for those of us who can recall the early days of the event, this year’s gathering represented a stunning transformation, including wonderful performances.

We started this company because we know that a great education is the best foundation for a worthwhile career and a fulfilling life. That’s why YourTutor does the work it does every day, supporting women and men and boys and girls to achieve their best academically.

When the opportunity arose several years ago, we jumped at the chance to begin supporting a wonderful charity, the LBW Trust: Learning for a Better World – that funds life-changing educational opportunities in the developing world.

And yesterday, Jack and I were privileged and touched to hear the amazing life story of one woman, Dr. Kakenya Ntaiya, who is transforming lives through education in the remote villages of Kenya.

Every time we talk about Sapiens here at YT HQ¹, we come back to the debate: is it just depressing and dystopian, or could it be enlightening for education?

Despite some side effects from reading the book (like mild insomnia and an acute existential crisis), I’m in the latter camp - and determined to find a hopeful message in its condensed 400-odd pages.  

Starting high school comes with a number of mixed feelings. It’s an exciting time. So much is changing and you’re about to start a whole new set of subjects, meet new people, create new friendships and take on new challenges. While all this change is exhilarating, the fear of the unknown can also be a daunting prospect. You’re about to be a small fish in a big pond again.

So here are some tips to make sure you get off on the right foot next year.  

Scientists have proven that one of the most effective ways to remember what you’ve learnt, is to return to the place you learnt it. As most students spend a large time of their study outside the classroom, it’s important to create a consistent study space. Naturally, you’re more likely to want to spend time there if it reflects your personality and style.

It’s no secret that Jack Goodman is the beating heart of our organisation, so we are thrilled that he was named one of the 40 most influential people in The Educator magazine’s ‘Hot List’ for 2016.

Last week, the Australian Financial Review Higher Education Awards 2016 honoured seven of Australia’s leading universities for their achievements in the sector, at a gala event in Melbourne.

Even though Term 4 can sometimes just feel like a long, slow crawl towards the summer holidays, it’s actually a great time to ramp up your efforts, boost your mark average for the year and prepare yourself to have the best year ever.

Day three of the EARCOS Leadership Conference* and it’s time for some reflection on what I’ve seen, heard and learned.