Gonski 2.0

The Review to Achieve Educational Excellence in Australian Schools (Gonski 2.0) report was released not long ago and have already received a lot of news coverage and generated a lot of discussion in social media among parents, teachers, industry, academics and independent organisations/foundations in education. There wasn't anything new that we don't already know but reviewing the statistics again were sobering. I liked the recommendation to bring back strong foundations of reading, writing and mathematics for kids before they reach 8 years of age. These skills help path the way for greater opportunities in many areas starting in primary school.

Statistics point out that our 15 year old students are sliding down the global ranking in math and science, coupled with the fact that there's a downward trend in secondary school students electing STEM subjects. But all the while, our universities are gearing up to provide more STEM courses to cater for the fast growing STEM industry. It doesn't make sense. Is the funding going to the wrong places? Our primary school kids are the forgotten ones but they can do so much more...