Last Post, February 25, 2019

Unequal educational outcomes from an unequal society

Some private schools gaming the university entry system should not be surprising; as equality in education in an unequal society is, arguably, an unrealistic proposition (“Schools ‘gaming uni entry system’”, 23-24/2).

Steve Ngeow, Chatswood, NSW

Noel Pearson’s article is spot on (“A visionary’s legacy: teach first and ask questions later”, 23-24/2). I would add “repetition” to the “direct instruction” teaching method. Maybe two in an average class/group understand new material fully on its first presentation. The rest of us may need it presented three or more times before we “get it”.

Althea Smith, Camp Hill, Qld

For all those hand-wringers looking for ways to improve our deplorable NAPLAN results, Noel Pearson’s article points the way. Unfortunately, his message is likely to fall on deaf ears: the prevailing policy of most Australian state departments of education simply would not countenance it.

Maris Dabars, Murray Bridge, SA

Your editorial and Caroline Overington say it all on Jordan Peterson (“Rules against leftist unreason”, 23-24/2). With an unconditional regard for all, he epitomises and heightens the ancient western notion of an examined life and the individual’s sovereignty — and citizens’ duty to engage in responsible and meaningful individual and societal affairs. There’s a part in humans that hungers for what counts, and it’s that to which he speaks.

Arthur Giannopoulos, Mitcham, SA

If Julie Bishop, in ScoMo’s words, is Liberal “through and through”, then why is she deserting a clearly sinking ship, haemorrhaging under the weight of previous losses before such a crucial election?

Robert Brown, Davistown, NSW

Lindsay Tanner (“In life after Labor, important concepts take shape in fiction”, 23-24/2), the fair-dinkum Labor PM we never had. Others who’d have been better than the past decade’s include John Button, Kim Beazley and Simon Crean. Peter Costello is the Liberal example.

L. Colquhoun, Invermay, Tas

The Bureau of Meteorology’s claims that temperatures are adjusted “to ensure past observations are consistent with modern conditions” is as valid as saying that if the Zulus had had tanks, automatic weapons and strike fighters they would have been victorious at Rorke’s Drift (“City warning claim triggers BoM challenge”, 23-24/2).

David Bidstrup, Plympton Park, SA

New Zealand is the country Australia used to be (“Deporting NZ criminals ‘corrosive’”, 23-24/2). Progressive, courageous and ethical.

Margaret Ludowyk, Brunswick, Vic