How to tackle the big dip in student engagement

Educators have increasingly noticed a significant drop in student engagement between Years 7 and 9, often referred to as the “big dip”. A study of NSW Department of Education, which tracked nearly 8,000 students, revealed a notable drop in motivation and engagement during these year levels.

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Darshana Amarsi
Ash Curmi writes: A blueprint for classroom management: Authentic classroom techniques you can implement immediately

‘A blueprint for classroom management – authentic techniques you can implement immediately’ is a workshop led by Ash Curmi, an experienced teacher and mentor with 11 years in the field. Ash will be presenting in the Knowledge Centre at the National Education Summit in Brisbane 2025.

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Darshana Amarsi
The National Education Summit from a Teacher’s Perspective

Another National Education Summit Melbourne pencilled into the books. For those who spend much of their time attending education spaces, this one always holds the potential to be a good one. Participants get the sense of being a part of the community, not just amid a stream of vendors selling their wares. A real sense of shared camaraderie permeates the lofty roofed spaces.

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Darshana Amarsi
The Link between Wellbeing and Literacy

Preventing failure – sounds a negative way of looking at things, but in reality it’s anything but negative! It’s something we all need to be aware of in our schools, but it’s also a huge challenge for busy teachers with many different needs to address in their classes. 

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Darshana Amarsi
How teachers can tap into the real reason behind behaviour and ideas to support behaviour change through connection

Whilst working with a student for many years as a withdrawal teacher for behaviour support, his teachers kept asking me to provide them with strategies and to work with him to make better choices. They seemed to think he was conniving, manipulative and purposefully choosing to lie in order to get out of being in trouble or facing consequences.

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Darshana Amarsi
Embracing Trends in Language Learning: How Mandarin Stars Can Help Schools and Early Learning Centres

In today's interconnected world, the ability to communicate in multiple languages is more valuable than ever. As educators, we recognize the importance of equipping our students with skills that extend beyond the traditional curriculum, fostering a global mindset from an early age.

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Darshana Amarsi
Cultivating critical thinking in an algorithmic world

In the online world, algorithms are having an increasingly pervasive and persuasive influence on our daily decision-making, ranging from the music we listen to, to which political party we are going to vote for. The recent influx of generative AI platforms like ChatGPT has further expanded the reach and impact of algorithms in our lives.

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Darshana Amarsi
Unveiling Truths: Digital Technologies doesn't need to break the bank

My school does not have the latest and greatest robots, so how can I teach the Digital Technologies curriculum? Great news! Digital Technologies can often be taught just as effectively without the need for $5000 worth of robots by utilising a combination of unplugged and plugged activities.

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Darshana Amarsi
Navigating the Classroom Seas - Lessons from Downunder on Inclusive Education

As educators, we're all too familiar with the daily challenges of managing a classroom full of diverse learners. Whether you're in Brisbane or Auckland, the struggle to create an inclusive environment where every student feels valued and engaged is universal.

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Darshana Amarsi
What is financial literacy 💸 and how to teach it in school

Financial literacy is a crucial life skill, and it’s declining. Several leading educators want it included in the curriculum, with some states and schools having done so. For those yet to, this cheat sheet will help explain how financial literacy can be taught and where it fits in the curriculum.

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Darshana Amarsi
Empowering Change: The Stand-Up Project

In 2016, based on our joint passion for indigenous culture, we formed Didgeridoo Australia to share  and inspire others. We wanted to promote a clearer understanding of First Nations cultures within Australia, to raise the profile of this cultural treasure that is often overlooked in Australian society.

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Darshana Amarsi
Making failure fun - the classroom concept building confidence in kids

Teaching Aussie kids it’s okay to fall short - and sometimes failure can even be fun - is the centrepiece of an innovative new program aimed at building confidence in the classroom. Authors Adam Wallace and Ingrid Laguna have teamed up for the school incursion which has been swamped by demand since its launch.

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Darshana Amarsi
At Didgeridoo Australia we love sharing Culture

In 2016, based on our joint passion for indigenous culture, we formed Didgeridoo Australia to share  and inspire others. We wanted to promote a clearer understanding of First Nations cultures within Australia, to raise the profile of this cultural treasure that is often overlooked in Australian society.

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Darshana Amarsi
There was an old lady who learned how to code

Introducing the world of coding to 5-10 year olds can be daunting, confusing and overwhelming, yet even our youngest students are capable of understanding coding if we provide it in the right context. Many teachers overlook this age group, believing they lack the capabilities to understand code, its use and how to write, edit and debug it effectively.

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Darshana Amarsi
Unlocking the Future of Education at the National Education Summit Brisbane

In the fast-changing world of education, keeping up isn't just a goal—it's a must. The National Education Summit Brisbane is a great opportunity for educators looking to stay on top of these changes. Taking place on Friday 2 – Saturday 3 August at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, this event is packed with insights, resources, and networking chances that can help educators transform their approach.

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Darshana Amarsi
Must-Haves for Every STEM Classroom: edMinds Robotics & Coding Kit

The Australian education landscape is rapidly evolving, and educators everywhere are seeking innovative ways to prepare students for the future. At the forefront of this movement is the exciting world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, with a particular emphasis on robotics and coding.

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Darshana Amarsi
Do You Dare to Be a Rockstar Teacher? Beyond the Classroom Australia Will Support You to Harness Your Star Qualities.

Last year Beyond the Classroom Australia launched a new program – Dare To Be A Rockstar Teacher taking the well-being sector of education by storm with this bespoke program.

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Darshana Amarsi
Environmental Literacy

For young people in Australia, digital literacy is no longer just an advantage – it’s a necessity. Children are entering online spaces earlier in life than ever before, and risks in the digital world evolve quickly. As a result, the fast-moving world of digital literacy education is often left on the backburner.

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Darshana Amarsi
Digital Literacy by eSmart

For young people in Australia, digital literacy is no longer just an advantage – it’s a necessity. Children are entering online spaces earlier in life than ever before, and risks in the digital world evolve quickly. As a result, the fast-moving world of digital literacy education is often left on the backburner.

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Darshana Amarsi
Assessing AI: A Report Card for Artificial Intelligence in Australian Education

Permission granted. Just as teachers were breaking for the holidays in December 2023, the Australian Framework for Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Schools [1] was released, lifting the blanket ban of ChatGPT in public schools to give way to an enabling policy that empowers educators to bring AI into their classrooms. 

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Darshana Amarsi