Police in Schools
Feb 16, 2018
Victorian Opposition Leader, Matthew Guy, has touted a police in schools policy to counter youth crime. Victorians might be surrprised to hear youth crime has actually decreased, but convincing Victorians there is a crime wave could be a valuable political tool as Victorians face a state election later in the year.
So, do police in schools work? It depends on the model. If we use the UK model, then yes, it can be effective using police to be preventive, to build trust with young people and help identify students at risk. The US model is a disaster, focussing on discipline, even in classrooms. Let's hope Mr Guy doesn't have that model in mind.
Police in schools programs in SA, NT, Tasmania and Queensland are all closer to the UK model. Read more here
Image: A policeman in a Texas school
Rich Schools, Poor Schools
Australia’s schooling system is among the most highly segregated in the OECD. Public schools educate the majority of disadvantaged students, while there is concentrated advantage in private schools.
This situation can be attributed, in large part, to our school funding arrangements. Recent research
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Hurry if you haven't sorted Book Week
As Term 3 is almost upon us, if you haven't sorted a Book Week incursion, hurry! If you're flexible with dates, you might be able to swing one of our great shows.
See our Book Week Shows here.
Image: Something Special Live - Available NSW, QLD, ACT,VIC,SA & WA
Livestream version available nationally
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Naidoc Week in 2026
The next cultural day to celebrate nationally is NAIDOC week. This year on 5-12 July, when all Australian schools are on holiday. The likely time schools could celebrate is the first week of July, when some states are still at school.
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