22 December 2010

Canberra kids lead nation in nerdiness

| johnboy
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Andrew Barr is pleased to announce that the ACT’s year six students are more science literate than other states.

The 2009 National Assessment Program Science Literacy report, produced by the Ministerial Council
for Education, Early Childhood Development and Youth Affairs is the result of tests conducted in 635
primary schools across Australia, including 56 in the ACT.

Minister for Education and Training Andrew Barr said the results show the high quality of education
being received by ACT students.

“These results are further proof that ACT students are getting a well-rounded education in our schools,”
Mr Barr said. “Of all jurisdictions the ACT had, at 61.2 per cent, the highest proportion of students
performing in the ‘proficient range’ in science literacy. The mean score for the ACT was also
significantly higher than that for the nation.

“In 2009, the ACT’s mean score was 23 points higher than the national mean score. This is a five point
increase in the margin by which we led the nation in 2006 and a strong indicator of overall
improvement.”

Is it thanks to the system though? Or in spite of it?

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“Is it possible to be an ‘arty’ nerd? One that excels at science and english? I think I have one living in my house.”

First job – Questacon instructor (the ones that tour around); then knock off Dr Karl.

You can be a music nerd, I dont think the area of expertise matters, its just the depth of knowledge and love for the subject

Is it possible to be an ‘arty’ nerd? One that excels at science and english? I think I have one living in my house.

Hooray for the nerds. If “nerd” is derogatory, then what does that make “footballer”?

Geeks are just awkward, a nerd’s got skills!

Maybe it is still used for playground abuse.

But any year six’s reading RiotACT are almost certainly nerds and should be proud of it (and certain in the knowledge that their lives after school will leave that of the popular kids for dead).

I don’t think I’ve ever seen the term ‘nerd’ used in a good way, in a public forum. Geek, yes, nerd, no. It would be great to know that it’s no longer used to tease kids in schools… but forgive me if I don’t immediately jump to the conclusion that things have changed in the past few years.

Good on em!

And shame that you deride science literacy as nerdiness, Johnboy, Australian society undervalues its scientists enough without perpetuating this bullshit. How else will the future generations stop themselves from pouring money into the Reiki, homeopathy etc. shitholes without science literacy?

You honestly think “nerd” is derogatory in my neck of the woods?

Can’t let it go without a dig at the system, can you? I’d call you cynical, but you’d probably wear it as a badge with pride..:P

Be glad we don’t live in the US, where passing science means knowing that Jehova created the world in 6 days 6,000 years ago and Jesus rode a dinosaur into Jerusalem.

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