Acting Education Minister, Brendan O'Connor, today announced extra funding for three school science programs, working towards providing Australian students with a world class science education. Over the next two years, the Science by Doing project will receive $2 million to improve the teaching and learning of science in junior secondary years by exciting students' interest in science.

A 10-week trial of a new web-based education tool in three Northern Territory primary schools stimulated an increase in the concentration and literacy skills of children struggling to read and write. The 'Abracadabra' software, supported by a $750,000 grant from the Telstra Foundation, is interactive and educational, and designed to help struggling school students aged five to eight years learn basic literacy skills which are the cornerstone for their future learning opportunities. CDU, 3 July 2008.

The Minister for Education the Hon Julia Gillard's today announced continued funding for the science education programs Primary Connections: Linking science with literacy and Science by Doing. Australian Academy of Science, 2 July 2008.

Parents across Australia should keep their receipts for education expenses from 1 July onwards to make the most of the benefits available under the Australian Government's $4.4 billion Education Tax Refund. The Education Tax Refund will provide parents with much-needed help for education expenses, with refunds of up to: $375 per primary school student; and $750 per secondary school student. Treasurer, 30 June 2008.

Acting Minister for Education, Brendan O'Connor, has welcomed the National Curriculum Board's first consultation forum on the development of a national curriculum. More than 200 participants including teachers, universities, community members, business and industry representatives attended the forum in Melbourne.

This year the National Museum of Australia is running a national political cartooning competition for upper primary and secondary school students. The competition is run in conjunction with the annual exhibition Behind the Lines: The Year's Best Cartoons. Students must submit a black and white or colour cartoon, on A4 paper, dealing with a recent political issue of national significance. A selection of the best entries will be displayed on the National Museum's website. National Museum of Australia, June 2008.

A passionate writer, an aspiring graphic designer and a band of 15 year-old musicians are among the recently announced National Youth Week Talent Competition winners. The competition showcased the best creative work from talented emerging writers, film makers, photographers, designers and unsigned musicians. National Youth Week is the nation's biggest annual youth event, designed to celebrate all young people aged 12-25, their achievements, skills, talents and the contribution they make to their communities. Minister for Youth, 23 June 2008.

The New South Wales Department of Education and Training will issue its 1.3 million school students with Gmail accounts instead of using the more traditional Outlook.

An English school has abandoned the national curriculum for its year 7s, in favour of what it calls a 'foundation year'. With the exception of languages and PE all subjects have been replaced with themes.

Beverley Cook is Victoria's oldest primary school teacher at 82. She is being nominated for a Pride of Australia role model award by the Swifts Creek Primary school's principal, Ros Mudge.