Report on Maths, Physics and Chemistry Teacher Meeting
10am to 12 noon, 21 November 2009
James Cook University offices,
349 Queens St Brisbane
Facilitated by Prof. Peter Ridd – JCU

Approximately 60 teachers attended the meeting and Ridd received roughly 30 apologies from teachers who were unable to get to the meeting because of other commitments. Approximately half the attendees were HOD’s.

Summary of Teacher responses regarding the new syllabus:

1.  The majority of the teachers were of the view that there were significant issues relating to the assessment methods in the syllabi. These included difficulty in reaching a final grade and excessive time in setting and marking exams.

2.  Many teachers thought that there was an over-emphasis on writing, and that the time work loads imposed on students by the writing were excessive

3.  Many teachers thought that the QSA had not listened to the teachers regarding the problems they were having.

4.  As it looked as though the proposed national curriculum would allow States to use their own assessment schemes, it seems unlikely that significant improvements were likely to be imposed from the national curriculum.

5.  The teachers were not happy.

Resolutions

1.  Peter Ridd is to start a web site so that the wide range of opinions regarding the new syllabi could be seen. The aim is to show others teachers, parents, the media, Principals, and the QSA that there is a significant problem that needs to be addressed.

2.  Investigate if an incorporated entity should be set up.

3.  Teachers should where possible try to do the following

(a)  Contact the union regarding workloads etc

(b)  Contact their local Member of Parliament

(c)  Talk to their Principal, and if the Principal is sympathetic, to urge the principal to help in the campaign.

(d)  Contact the Parents and Citizens Associations.

(e)  Put an article in the School newsletter.

(f)  Join the Queensland Association of Maths Teachers and the Queensland Association of Science Teachers with a view to asking the associations to consider lobbying the QSA to improve the syllabi

(g)  Investigate if Panels can be asked to write letters to the QSA documenting problems and suggestions for improvement

4.  Teachers should write a comment on their views to be put on the web site, anonymously or otherwise. These commentaries can be as short as a paragraph and up to a few pages. Email address to follow.

5.  A follow-up meeting will be held in mid-March in Indooroopilly, and possibly on the Gold/Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba, Townsville and Cairns. If we can get volunteers from other centres, then other towns can be considered.

Peter Ridd