Fear of legal action keeping kids inside the classroom

Young teachers want to keep kids inside for fear of being sued, a review of the national curriculum has found.

school
A report by reviewers Kevin Donnelly and Ken Wiltshire found that excursions and outdoor activities were “feared by many teachers”.

Issued by Education Minister Christopher Pyne over the weekend, it stated that a necessary emphasis on sport and outdoor excursions may be compromised out of concerns by educators.

“Newly graduating teachers often have a fear of teaching outside the classroom – on field trips, excursions and the like – owing to a lack of organisational skills, and concern about liability and litigation,” it stated.

“Curriculum standards should not be compromised because of these factors and there would seem to be a strong case for jurisdictions to address these matters, especially through more comprehensive pre-service education and training, and in-service professional development.”

The report also recommended a back to basics" approach, which Mr Pyne hoped could be adopted in time for the 2016 school year.


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