It has been an often repeated issue in WITS, has found the front page of the tabloids and features frequently on talkback radio ... Australia's falling educational standards.
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Maybe the powers to be have seen the light and are promising a major shake-up of the school curriculum.
When I commenced teaching in '67, the entire primary school curriculum, everything - mathematics English, science, art, PE, social studies, etc, were included in one moderately sized book. Today all the curriculums stacked on top of each other could reach the ceiling.
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The curriculum has become so cluttered with extraneous material, it became no wonder the teaching of basics suffered. It has been promised to slash 20% off the curriculum, with the emphasis being to attain real life skills, not necessarily preparing students to attain university degrees.
The curriculum should have schools concentrating on the basics of mathematics, English and science, and, I add, solid knowledge of Australia's background - our history and culture.
WITS
It is reassuring to see our empty shops being occupied, new business owners showing faith in Boorowa. Marsden Street is well on the way to full occupancy. The top café has changed hands. After almost 12.5 years, Nicki Baxter has moved on. Chelle and John have taken over, currently remodeling and planning to open very soon.
Round the corner in Pudman Street, the two small shops adjacent to Pantry on Pudman will soon open with husband and wife Dean and Holly Franklin opening two businesses. Dean is opening FYI Solutions and will be available to help with all those tech problems. Holly is a photographer supreme and opening 'Sweet Bay Studio' with fine art portraits being a speciality.
Thank you for putting faith in Boorowa, all the best.
WITS
Little Bruce and Jenny decided they wanted to get married, so Bruce goes up to Jenny's father to ask him for her hand saying, "Mr Smith, me and Jenny are in love and I want to ask you for her hand in marriage."
Thinking this is just the cutest thing, Mr Smith replies, "Well Bruce, you are only ten. Where will you two live?"
Without even taking a moment to think about it, Bruce replies, "In Jenny's room, it's bigger than mine and we'll both fit nicely."
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Mr Smith says with a huge grin, "Okay, then how will you live? You're not old enough to get a job. You'll need to support Jenny.
Bruce instantly replies, "Our allowance, Jenny makes five bucks a week and I make ten. That's sixty bucks a month, so that should do us just fine."
Mr Smith is impressed Bruce has put so much thought into this. "Well Bruce, it seems like you have everything figured out. I just have one more question. What will you do if the two of you have little children of your own?"
Bruce just shrugs his shoulders and says, "Well, we've been lucky so far." Mr Smith no longer thinks cute little Bruce is so adorable.
WITS
Next Tuesday is Melbourne Cup Day and the good ladies from the Hospital Auxiliary are again hosting the fabulous Melbourne Cup Luncheon, 11.30am for 12 noon at the Ex-Services Club.
All the fun of Cup Day, great food and friends, all for $25. Bookings at Carmody's Newsagency 6385 3074 or at the Ex-Services Club, 6385 3338.
Do you agree with John? Have your say
