Monday, August 16, 2010

Atheists, what do you think about what theyâ€™re doing in public schools in Australia

Atheists, what do you think about what theyâ€™re doing in public schools in Australia?
If the teaching of evolution alone in public schools makes some people mad, then imagine this. http://tvnz.co.nz/world-news/aust-kids-taught-there-no-god-2418681 http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,24797483-421,00.html
Religion & Spirituality - 17 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
nope i don't worry, cuz i am american and i have enough stuff to worry about in my own country.
2 :
Bravo for reality.
3 :
I think I don't vote or pay taxes in Australia.
4 :
Yayyy. =]
5 :
I might go to Australia once I have kids ... far far far away from "abstinence-only" education which spreads STDs all over the place. If you love your kids, go to Australia LOL
6 :
There is no evidence any god exists. Am I supposed to have a problem with this? Even the Christians maintain that there is no evidence. That's why it's called FAITH!
7 :
"...students will soon be able to take religious education classes which teach there is no evidence God exists." Well, that's a true statement. Or do you maybe HAVE any evidence a god exists?
8 :
I'm Christian, and this is fantastic! Not everyone shares my faith, and that's great to see kids getting other views. Besides if anyone has a serious bitch fest about it, the kids don't have to take it. Well Done Australia!
9 :
From the article:"Victorian state primary school students will soon be able to take religious education classes which teach there is no evidence God exists. " There is no evidence. Shouldn't even people who believe in a god be honest about this? We keep being told it doesn't mean no gods exist. Something about faith.
10 :
Sounds fair. If parents don't want their children to attend that section of the class they aren't required to.
11 :
I think it's great. I much rather have a class that teaches ethics and morals can exist without a god versus a class to study the bible(Texas).
12 :
I think it's wonderful.
13 :
Good for them. As the article says, they also have people of different religions come in as well, and any parent can take their children out if they are offended. It's really not that difficult, if the knee-jerk religious types in America would calm down for a minute we could have a decent dialogue, kids included.
14 :
I personally don't feel religion should be any part of school, just like it shouldn't be in with the politics. They aren't forcing the children to attend the classes, so I don't see any real harm in it, but I don't see the need to waste another hour of schooling to teach religion when they get that teaching in church each week, and education could be put to better use in that extra hour.
15 :
Its optional, from what i understand, so i really don't care. But how can you teach that God doesn't exist because there is no proof? That would not be a very large curriculum.
16 :
hahahaha, some people are going to get pissed. but it makes sense, there is no evidence for a god, so i don't see why it shouldn't be taught.
17 :

The headline says that children are taught there is no God. In the article it says children are taught "...there is no evidence God exists." These are two different claims in fact. By the way, the second claim is certainly true. I don't know how the school system in Australia works, if religious instruction is mandatory etc. I live in America and I do not advocate instructing children in public schools as to what their religious beliefs should or should not be. There should be a religious studies class which simply conveys what the core beliefs of the world's religions are. That is simply part of being an educated person.

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Sunday, August 8, 2010

Help!! Private High School Interview?! (Outfits!)

Help!! Private High School Interview?! (Outfits!)?
So i need to figure out what to wear for this interview i have! It's a private high school, in australia, and i want something cute, like, nothing dead. is a ruffled top and a pencil skirt okay? cuz now i kinda have an outfit ready that looks KINDA like this: http://www.bcbg.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3906142&cp=2769162.2840697&view=all&clickid=cat_leftnav_txt&parentPage=family it's not this dress, but that's like, the closest picture i can get to. but anyways, is this too over? because i really wanna get into this school, and btw i think it's a christian school also. oh and i need more recommendations. Thanks!
Primary & Secondary Education - 1 Answers
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1 :
It's a fairly nice outfit, but you may want to cover up, just in case it is a Christian school. And you just have to ask your past teachers on recommendations (or people you babysat for).... Otherwise, good luck on getting into the school.

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Sunday, August 1, 2010

Come out now or wait till post-high-school? (More details inside)

Come out now or wait till post-high-school? (More details inside)?
Ok, I've known I was gay for awhile now, and last few years I've really come to terms with it myself. There's still the matter of coming out to others though. Anyway... I'm currently in my final year of High School in Australia, with less than half a year left until my HSC (High School Certificate) before I leave and can then get into university. My grades are fine, but lately the issue of coming out has really been playing on my mind and I don't know when I should come out - now or wait until university - due to a variety of reasons: 1) Like I said, the thought is becoming a distraction. I mean, it's a selective school and the environment is fairly supportive, plus I feel like I have some good friends who I'd be able to tell first off, and my family doesn't seem overtly homophobic. It's more the reaction of the general community, acquaintances, etc, that I'm concerned about. That, and I don't want to necessarily lose any friends whom I wouldn't have expected to react negatively. 2) Graduation and the end of school Formal (or Prom I guess) is coming up. Obviously the whole date thing poses a problem. Even if I came out, I doubt I'd be at a stage by then to bring a same-sex date, especially since I don't exactly know many gay people my age anyway. Then there's the option of just going with a girl date who would presumably be a friend, but of course I wouldn't really know how to act in that situation considering my orientation, and I wouldn't want things between me and said friend (whoever I theoretically ended up taking) becoming awkward once I come out. Third option would be to go alone and just hang out with friends and their dates, but... I don't want to be "that guy who just hangs out with everyone else's dates" whilst being alone myself. Hard to explain, but I don't exactly want to be a third wheel on the night. 3) My grades. Like I said earlier, my grades are quite good at the moment. Though the thought is becoming distracting when I should be focusing on other things, however. Plus, I don't want some unforseen reaction from people at school/family affecting my grades, and in turn myself, so close to my final high school exams and getting my UAI for university admission. I just don't want any problems/issues that may or may not arise from coming out affecting my end of schooling and then, ultimately, my future after that in terms of university courses, etc. Sorry for the lengthy question, but ultimately it boils down to - when considering the above concerns - should I come out before or after I graduate? Even if the thought is still playing on my mind until then if I choose not to...
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered - 4 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Wait until after high school to officially "come out"--you can tell a few trusted friends now if you want, but don't actually be OUT until after high school. Wait to tell your family once you're attending a university. Regarding prom, do you have any female friends you can really trust? If so, come out to one of them and ask if she'd like to go to prom as friends. If the relationship with her was already platonic, it shouldn't matter if she knows you're gay.
2 :
you will know when the time is right it wont be a thought it will be a feeling until then try telling ur best friend and just remember your family may not seem homophobic but no one wants their child to be gay so it may take them awhile to wrap thierÂ heads around the idea best of luck
3 :
If you can keep it to yourself or only to your family and close friends so much the better. Just come out when there's not more conflicts ahead.
4 :
It just depends on whether you think that you can do what you want when you are out of the closet, if you think it will interfere with school don't do it. If you can get over it and continue on with life then go for it, I would! :)
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Saturday, July 24, 2010

Naughtiest thing you ever did in high school

Naughtiest thing you ever did in high school?
Hi guys I'm writing something for uni based on high school experiences, especially in Australia and especially around the 15/16 year old mark. Does anyone have any stories they would be willing to share about what they got up to back then? Especially from people who were in high school in the late 90s. Thanks!
Primary & Secondary Education - 1 Answers
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1 :

I never got into much trouble, only thing I ever got detention for was walking out of a science lesson with my mates and running off when the teacher came after us. In the early days of high school I also used to skive all the time, I'd either just decide to go home or I wouldn't go in at all and spend the whole day hanging about waiting until it was safe to go home again. I dreaded it that much.

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Friday, July 16, 2010

School/Educational Laws, help

School/Educational Laws, help?
Hi, I was wondering if it is possible/impossible for a private/public school in Australia to dictate what subjects students can enter, and what they can't enter. For example, Can a school that has well over enough seats for Economics, eject students from classes when he/she hasn't even entered, by assuming/judging their future progress in the class ? - "I don't think you'll do well in Economics, so you can't do Economics." (In short) - This isn't me, but I have a problem which looms around the same question. Addition : If you're studying/studied law, and know any acts or regulations in which my situation complies in please tell me :D Thank you, Andrew EDIT : At Below, That is exactly what I wanted to hear and know Thank you, you saved me a lot of research time and in addition to that, my behind. Cheers.
Law & Legal - 1 Answers
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1 :
In Australia, private/public schools cannot dictate what subjects students enter into, no matter how bad or good their grades are or future progress may be in that particular class. However, there may be certain pre-requisites that need to be met if a student were to enter in to a high-achieving subject. For example, a year 11 Maths B student may be able to enter into year 12 Maths C, while a year 11 Maths A student may not. However, schools can delete subjects if not enough students have elected to enter into their class - i.e. a Home Economics class may be canceled because only three students elected it from a particular grade. There are not any acts or regulations which really relate to this subject matter.

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Thursday, July 8, 2010

Americans - what do you learn in High School and College maths? +BQ

Americans - what do you learn in High School and College maths? +BQ?
Because whenever I watch a TV show and it shows them doing maths at college, they're doing like calculus and algebra and stuff you learn waaay before then. In Australia we start learning calculus in year 11 and master it in year 12, and algebra is like year 7 stuff. So I was just curious as to what you guys actually learn in High School and College maths. BQ: What is American college like? Is it like a second High School? In Australia we have one course that we follow, for example the Bachelor of Education, or the Bachelor of Psychology, and within that course we learn different things to do with that. Like in the Bachelor of Education, my sister would learn the basics of how to teach, and then choose electives on top of that, like PE, art, and teaching students with disabilities. But I've heard that in America it's more like a second High School, with different unrelated subjects like biology and literature, and you have one major or something. So what's it really like?
Other - Education - 1 Answers
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1 :
High School progresses at the same rate as Australia, the only difference being students have some control over their courses in grades 9-12. Most students tend to take an easy route, staying away from the upper level maths (calc and trig). However, there are students who take those courses in high school (same as in Australia). College is like a second High School such that you don't simply focus on the single subject. For example, if you're going to college for Accounting, you'll learn accounting, but you are also required to take math, English, history, etc. other plus electives. The main reason for this is how poor the lower education system in America is (most students are not up to speed in these subjects when they reach college). Out of the standard 120 credits required to graduate from college, about 60 credits are electives and "General Education" courses. GenEds make up most of the first two years of college. There are technical schools that just teach the desired skill set (e.g. Accounting) and avoid all the GenEd courses, and that is why they tend to be looked down upon.

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Thursday, July 1, 2010

how do i make a lot of friends at my new school

how do i make a lot of friends at my new school?
so to keep it short, i moved from australia to florida, went to a private school for a year and hated it and only made a couple of friends, so im going to a new school next year. i went to a private school in australia too and had a lot of friends but people are different here. sooo how do i make lots of friends at my new public school? i love just having the small group of close friends too, but this year i want to have lots :) so i can hang out with all sorts of people, rather than the same ones every w/e. i know i've got to be confident and talk a lot, (never been fantaastic at that but i can try harder) anything elseee? i know this sounds kind of stupid, i just really want high school to be fun:) (i'm going into grade 9, and i want to have a huge sweet 16 at the end of the year, so im gonna need quiitee a few friends) thanks! :)
Friends - 11 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
be really friendly... smile alot! complement ppl ul win them over and theyl love u!!! stay away from the drama!
2 :
you said it. you actually literally need to get out there and start talking! look at what group of friends appeal to you most, and walk up to that group, and join in! just be like "hey!!" and once they hear that amazing australian accent you have, they'll be interested. trust me. lol, love your accent, mate. lol!! anyway, never sit there and expect people to come to you. be you, dress you, show people who YOU are. never dress like someone else. you're less likely to make friends. wear some that just SCREAMS (your name).
3 :
BE YOURSELF. even if you think that you are going to be alone it will turn out in the end
4 :
see what clubs or activities your new school offers and join...are you athletic...try out for the teams...sure way of meeting people
5 :
there was this new Mexican guy at our school, who had this amazing hispanic accent (and he was cute too)... and he just literally came up and started talking to us, and by the end of the week every girl was in love with him. Now I dont know how that will work seeing as how you're a girl, but you get my point. You just need to get in there and start talking to everybody. Pick a group of kids on the first day of school that look nice, set yourself down, introduce yourself and ask their names. Talk to the people who sit around you in class. And the Australian accent is a huge asset, trust me. I know it sounds shallow, but there will be people who will probably just start talking to you because your new and foriegn. Americans love foriegners (well, not the American immigrant kind haha). Its also a great ice breaker. People will ask about it and BAM you instantly have a conversation topic. If you play sports make sure you go out for the team. Just try to get around as much as possible and be gregarious. Be yourself, but make good first impressions. Don't be pretentious, don't be fake. Smile. Show genuine interest in people. Make friends with guys and girls. And most importantly, invite people over, especially if you have a pool ;)
6 :
The very best way to make friends is to be a friend. Please try to remember that high school is NOT just about having fun. It is a crucial time in your life and the gateway to the future. Sure you should enjoy yourself, but apply yourself to your studies or you will regret it for the rest of your life.
7 :
Get involved with lots of activities! Whatever interests you, sports, drama, youth group... meet people who have things in common with you.
8 :
Well, I moved from Austin to Pittsburgh and I made plenty of friends through after school activities like orchestra, tennis and latin club. After school activities are the best way to meet people because you have to intract with people, therefore you meet people which will eventually become your friends. *ADVICE: If you think a person might not be a good friend go with your feeling and don't be their friend because they will probably stabbbb you in the back. Good luck on your new year in public school & public school is soooo much more fun than private.
9 :
I think that you should take some classes that you know that some of your friends are not gonna be in so when you get to that classes there will be different ppl for you to interact with. Also talk to the friends that you do have there and try to hang out with some of their friends that your not friends with..... Or try different clubs at you school or try out for sports.... good luck with everything. Hopefully you make more friends.... and thanx for answering my question!
10 :
wow you shoudve stayed in australia but yeah just keep it cool and try to make yourself look cool infront of peope works every time
11 :
Hun its not about making lots of friends its about having a few close friends that you can trust..dont go and try to be ms.popular just be yourself and repspectfull and youll see which people fit you
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