Finding The Right Formula
By Kate Pierson Nothing in life is ever certain, except of course for the degenerative nature of the human condition. One of the most unpredictable elements within any society is economic growth, because its health is perennially vulnerable to social, political, industrial and environmental factors. But while an economy’s state of play may often be characterised by ambiguity, it’s a no-brainer that economic growth needs to be nurtured...
The Cotton Wool Conundrum
By Zoe George Being involved with sport, for a variety of reasons, is an important ingredient in any childhood. However, sport can become rough and injuries happen. ACC statistics for July 2007 to June 2008 show the organisation received in excess of 3900 new claims related to rugby union, 1900 new claims from soccer and 1400 new claims from netball. The cause, justified or not, might be parents encouraging their children to play low...
Crunched by Numbers
By Melinda Collins As the world economy steadies itself and the tides turn on the financial crisis, a survey reveals half of school leavers are financially illiterate and ill prepared for the future. The survey, released by the Institute of Financial Advisors (IFA), shows that just over half of the pupils surveyed could answer eight out of 40 questions correctly. The questions covered personal spending and saving, tax, KiwiSaver,...
The Preparation Game
By Kate Pierson It has been quite a while since I have been in the company of a principal, but any pre-jitters are imminently abandoned as I sit down with a forthcoming Gillian Simpson, executive principal at Christchurch’s St Margaret’s College, to discuss her role at the school. Upon meeting Simpson, it takes me no time at all to see why she was offered the role in early 2008. While there is no generic stereotype attached to...
The Value of Homework
By Melinda Collins Homework, or tasks which teachers assign to students to be completed outside of school hours, persists as a controversial aspect of our education system. Whether homework aids students and how much homework is appropriate, has been debated for many years. While some educators support homework for its value in reinforcing daily learning and fostering the development of study skills, backlash against the practice has...
Voice of Reason
By Sandy Galland What teachers do is amazing and slightly terrifying! So says the man who has been catapulted to fame as an authority on children. Child psychologist Nigel Latta talks to Principals Today about his following since The Politically Incorrect Parenting Show went to air. Nigel calls a spade a spade, advocates we have made everything too complicated, but above all else he believes our schools are doing some remarkable...
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