Public schools must adapt to halt selective brain drain
An excellent article by Jordan Baker, and absolutely true (' Selective school fixation a failure ', May 27). Selective schools have become a desired goal for parents with ambitions for their children, at the expense of the local comprehensive high school. Putting so much pressure on primary students to gain entry is unacceptable. Fortunately, not all the best and the brightest take these tests and some do stay in the comprehensive system. High-achieving students can be catered for within each school with, dare I suggest it, more streaming. It worked in the past and gave students opportunities to be competitive while also progressing. An overhaul of the structure and teaching methods in all schools should take place to cater for every student's ability. This would require a change in teaching methods and groupings of each cohort, as well as more funding. Yes, do away with selective schools and turn every comprehensive school into one that includes high-achieving students but offers opportunities for all. It can be achieved. Where there is a will there is a way. Augusta Monro, Dural
There is no doubt selective schools are a problem and NSW has fallen into a trap avoided by other states. Finding workable solutions must be a priority. Abolishing them won't be on any political agenda but we could broaden their purpose and dilute this manic and destructive pursuit of schools that only serve the most advantaged. Selective schools could and should reach out to gifted and high-potential students, as well as test high-scorers. The two groups aren't always the same but the whole process favours the test scorers, including those who have long fed the coaching industry and can endure the strictures of an uber-competitive school culture. A parallel selection process is needed to tap into those with high potential. Their pathway through school can be very different, drawing on the learning design of proven innovative schools. Such schools already exist in NSW and their students are highly engaged and successful. One group, Big Picture Learning, has developed an internationally recognised credential, one accepted by many Australian universities. Each selective school could establish a within-school academy to serve these students. They would diversify not only their enrolment but help us better understand what constitutes high achievement. It would be a win-win solution to a wicked problem. One thing is certain: doing nothing is not a solution. Chris Bonnor, Cherrybrook
Jordan Baker's article raises some sobering points about the NSW selective school system. What is omitted, however, is that most comprehensive schools 'grade' classes in the core subjects, ensuring students are placed in classes with their academic peers. During my teaching career in comprehensive public schools I taught many outstanding students who have been given every chance to achieve to the best of their ability, going on to become doctors, lawyers, engineers and other careers that have required academic rigour. It is also worth noting that many students are 'late bloomers' and may not hit their academic bootstraps until they are much older than the current 11-year-olds who must sit through a stressful entry exam. Finland has learnt this lesson and allows 'kids to be kids' for the majority of their schooling. Robert Hickey, Green Point
Jordan Baker's courageous opinion piece 'Selective school fixation a failure' is one of the most important articles you have published this year. Baker has drawn attention to the disastrous consequences of NSW's push for more selective schools. She suggested a government inquiry to determine the costs on all schoolchildren and to society in general. Children who are 'gifted' in some areas but not in others are excluded from selective schools. Less affluent families cannot afford the time or money required to succeed in the gruelling selective school entrance exams. Many comprehensive schools have lost their drama departments, their orchestras, even sports and other essential life-affirming activities that used to exist when different children made different contributions. As a former school principal, I believe such an inquiry will prove the urgency of rebuilding an education system in which all children have access to programs that match their talents. Australian society will be better educated and happier as a result. Judith Wheeldon, Roseville
Jordan Baker makes many valid points about the problems of selective schooling. However, there are other aspects to this issue that should also be acknowledged. If it is acceptable for the government to provide selective schools for sporting and performing arts excellence (both of which are quite intensely coached), then why not for academic ability? Many selective schools offer study in specialist disciplines not available within the local comprehensive system, particularly in languages. The principle of providing enhanced educational opportunities for those who might benefit from it most has been a significant part of civilisation since Plato and Aristotle. It is not invalidated by overambitious parents, nor because the current authorities might have bungled its implementation. David Salter, Hunter's Hill
Words not enough to stop Israel
Anthony Albanese's words cut to the truth (' PM hits out at Israel over Gaza ', May 27). Israel's actions are 'completely unacceptable', its blockade 'outrageous', its 'excuses and explanations completely untenable and without credibility'. Forthright truth-telling by Australia's leadership is a welcome change from its typical diplomatically equivocal formulae. But the words, absolute as they are, will ring hollow if they are not matched by action. Australia must take every possible step to sanction Israel, review and revoke every trade deal and declare its commitment to implement United Nations resolutions and the judgments of international courts. As a midwife to the birth of Israel, Australia has both the right and the responsibility to hold this now rogue nation to account. Tom Knowles, Parkville (Vic)
Anthony Albanese says 'people are starving' in Gaza and calls Israel's actions 'completely unacceptable'. Yet Australia still refuses to impose sanctions, cut diplomatic ties or even join allies such as France and Canada in warning Israel of consequences. Words, no matter how forceful, will not stop the massacre. Up to 60,000 Palestinians have been killed. Gaza's children are starving to death in front of our eyes. Israel bombs hospitals, blocks aid and violates international law daily. The International Court of Justice has issued binding orders. UN experts have warned of genocide. Albanese himself has acknowledged that Israel's 'explanations are completely untenable and without credibility'. So why the hesitation? Australia has sanctioned Russia and Iran without waiting for perfect consensus. Why is Israel different? Enough statements. Enough equivocation. If Australia believes in human rights, it must act like it. Fernanda Trecenti, Fitzroy (Vic)
It was encouraging to see four Herald letters on Tuesday decrying the ongoing slaughter in Gaza (Letters, May 27). Finally, the tide seems to be turning toward actual sanctions against Israel's continuing bombardment of Gaza and its citizens. As correspondent Judy Mitchell wrote, we must all press our government to take action to stop the killing. The prime minister is responding to pressure by strongly condemning Israel for withholding aid. He now has an opportunity to join a unified effort to recognise a Palestinian state and join countries such as Canada, France and the UK, which are threatening sanctions if Israel does not stop settlement building in the West Bank. Yes, Judy Mitchell, we can make a difference. Marilyn Lebeter, Smiths Creek
Generation gap
The 'intergenerational war' is, of course, nonsense (' As a Millennial, I've worn Gen Z's jibes with a smile, but this goes too far ', May 27), but your writer Emily McGrorey, in referring to Baby Boomers, Gen Z and Millennials as single entities, makes the same mistake as those apparently criticising her generation – lumping together thousands or millions of people on the basis of a single characteristic and then making generalisations about them. Sound familiar? Surely, if you believe it's acceptable to generalise on the basis of people's age, then it's a short step to classifying people on the basis of other single attributes, such as where they live, their ethnicity or their religion. Generalisations based on those characteristics are more divisive and dangerous than saying 'all Millennials love coffee and Harry Potter' but they come from the same faulty mindset. Bronwyn Bryceson, Mangerton
Confounded by the way people my age seem to get off lightly in the intergenerational war of words, Emily McGrorey has forgotten that Gen X is and always will be the coolest generation. Colin Stokes, Camperdown
Money well spent
Yes, $100 million is a lot of money to fund this project ('La Perouse cultural precinct seeks $100 million funding', May 27). However, surely it's more positive than the millions of dollars Australia has just handed over to the US for imaginary submarines. Also, every overseas visitor I speak to is interested to see something of Aboriginal culture. This may well become the best tourist drawcard in Sydney after the Opera House. Judith Rostron, Killarney Heights
Economical with the truth
Let this quote from Peter Hartcher's article (' America's credibility at debt's door ', May 27) sink in: 'Of the 200 countries in the world, only 10, plus the EU, are rated as risk-free by all three major credit agencies. The AAA sovereigns are Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, Sweden and Switzerland.' The Coalition election campaign included insisting that Labor had 'destroyed' Australia economically, reducing us to one of the 'worst countries in the world'. Shades of the dishonest Voice 'no' campaign. Cynical hyperbole. It didn't work. Alison Stewart, Riverview
Apology overdue
On Monday, which was National Sorry Day, I discovered that a long-dead relative of mine took part in one of the most heinous crimes committed against Aboriginal people. My great-great-great-grandmother's brother, John Henry Fleming, was a ringleader in the Myall Creek Massacre. He was never held to account and lived a long life, utterly unrepentant for the slaughter of children, women and old men. It is believed they also caught and slaughtered the young men who had been away from camp at the time. It has been sobering and deeply shocking to discover such a close personal connection to this crime. It sits heavily in my heart. I can only imagine the deep sorrow that remains in the hearts of Aboriginal people about this and the many other massacres. The poisoned water. The children taken from their families. The stolen land. We are happy to stand on the shoulders of our forebears' success, but we should say sorry for the harm it caused. Bronwyn Scott, Lucaston (Tas)
Voice hangover
Voter regret over the Voice may have been one of the reasons for the overall swing to Labor. The division and untruths about recognition spread by the Liberals was slowly recognised as an integral element of Dutton's and the Liberal Party's attitude, which would flow into other aspects of a Coalition government's actions. Peter Wotton, Pyrmont
Simplify the vote
Your correspondents rightly argue that the preferential voting system is unduly complex for many voters (Letters, May 27). The reality is that only two or three candidates have any hope of being elected in any constituency in an election for the house, yet electors are required to fill out maybe 10 or more boxes, often not knowing who the other candidates are or what they represent. If they only mark, say, nine out of 10 boxes, their vote doesn't count. This is unfair. The value of compulsory voting is that it obligates all voters to turn up and have their say, but this can be achieved by allowing them to fill in at least one box as is the practice at state elections. This would make the process far simpler to understand for the elderly and non-English speakers, yet ensure that more electors have their voices heard without compromising the integrity of the election. Harold Marshbaum, Longueville
I support Judy Christian's letter on the high number of informal votes in hospitals and aged care, but it isn't a new problem. My mother was denied a vote in an aged care home some years ago because no staff member could be bothered coming to get her out of her room. I had been assured they would assist her – she was on a walking frame but didn't have dementia. I then had to explain to the electoral commission why she had failed to vote or pay a fine. Shortly after her death, she was called up for jury service, and again I had to explain. I was told to have her removed from the electoral roll. This is an issue in all electorates, but especially in electorates like mine – Berowra – where there are many nursing homes and retirement villages. Vivienne Parsons, Thornleigh
I witnessed first-hand pre-poll voting in an aged care facility and did not see one relative/friend in attendance. If they are concerned, where were they on the day? Electoral office staff were in attendance, but based on what I saw, they would have needed at least 15 minutes with each voter to explain the complexities of preferential voting. Care home staff would not have had the time to help everyone who needed it. Before being too critical of the system, relatives and friends need to be exercise their responsibilities before passing them to the AEC and aged care staff. Les Sisley, Kelso
There is one simple way to solve the voting problems. Have one vote. That would save paper, money, time and problems. Stephen Goundry, Coffs Harbour
Woodside whitewash
Why do governments succumb to propaganda from big fossil fuel companies such as Woodside (' Spain's crippling blackout shows need for gas in a greener world: Woodside CEO, May 27)? Woodside Gas CEO Meg O'Neill is desperate to push the merits of her polluting product's role in Australia's energy transition. But Australia does not use or need gas from Woodside's North West Shelf plant. A mere 15 per cent of WA's gas is used in WA and the rest is exported as LNG. Gas corporations are paying a pittance in tax and royalties, polluting our atmosphere and contributing to erosion of the extraordinary Indigenous rock art at Murujuga. It's hard to see how this benefits Australians. Sarah Brennan, Hawthorn
Ill feeling
Healthscope is just one reason that people should reject conservative values (' Banks step in to keep Healthscope running as receivers appointed ', May 27). The privatisation of health services equates to profit before care. Despite going into receivership, there will be people who have made good money out of Healthscope. There are big profits out there. I'll bet plenty of our taxes have propped them up along the way, too. Marie Healy, Hurlstone Park
Super fishing
Successive governments have deliberately lured people into the super net with valid concessions (' 'Hundreds of thousands' could be caught in Chalmers' super tax ', May 25). But now the Labor government has decided to shoot the larger and younger fish that have no way of escape. Meanwhile, they selectively defer their own super tax until retirement. The basic immorality of this is appalling. William S Lloyd, Denistone
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