news campusreview . com . au
Breaking the cycle
Flinders study says schools could do more to prevent disadvantage .
Poverty and disadvantage put young Australians on the road to a less fulfilling life and schools could play a critical role in breaking the cycle , a new study led by Flinders University says .
However , the study of more than 3500 Australian 13-14 year olds confirms their experience of social exclusion at school , in terms of engagement , teacher support and bullying victimisation .
“ The risk factors for social exclusion at school are worse for young adolescents who live in low income households or who experience poverty ,” says Flinders University sociologist Professor Gerry Redmond .
“ Adolescents who live with a disability , care for a family member , speak a language other than English at home or identify as Indigenous are all more likely than other adolescents to be living in poverty .
“ Feedback from marginalised young people in the study shows how the experience of disadvantage and exclusion affects their life satisfaction , which is a predictive indicator of wellbeing and mental health in adulthood .
“ If schools don ’ t have the resources and systems to counter or fully address the needs of marginalised young people , then there ’ s clearly the need for wider reforms and actions to support these young people ’ s situation .”
Australian and international co-authors of the new study , published in the Journal of Social Policy , say the weakness in school systems – particularly in rich countries – is the handing back of responsibility to the family and student . ■
‘ Strategic alliance ’
Australia and the UK deepen research ties .
Top universities in Australia and the UK will work more closely together following the passing of a historic trade agreement .
In a joint letter , Australia ’ s Group of Eight ( G08 ) coalition and the UK ’ s Russell Group announced a new committee aimed at strengthening research ties and increasing trade .
The “ strategic alliance ”, the peak bodies said , will allow for new bilateral funding programs , more exchange options for students and academics , and greater research into AI , quantum , clean tech and health .
The letter also alluded to increasing tensions with China , saying that the new relationship would be “ crucial to help maintain social cohesion as we move into an era of geopolitical change ”.
“ It is more important than ever to deepen our existing partnerships with like-minded countries , and leverage opportunities such as the UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement ( FTA ) and trilateral AUKUS partnership ,” the letter said .
“ To further this ambition , our aim is to explore how this can be used to increase two-way trade and investment and strengthen our economies .”
The recent passing of the landmark FTA signed between Australia and the UK , and the security pact between Australia , UK and the US ( AUKUS ), has freshened ties between the three nations .
The GO8 aims to “ leverage ” these deals to benefit research , according to chief executive Vicki Thomson .
“ The FTA provides an important opportunity to strengthen Australian and British cooperation in higher education and research , and to deliver tangible social and economic benefits to both nations ,” she said .
“ The alliance will cement and expand our bilateral partnerships , delivering world class education , cutting edge research outcomes and commercialisation opportunities to support economic growth and social wellbeing .” ■
6