In order to ameliorate this
problem of academia and industry variation and the unemployment trend, our educational sector needs to undergo a rigorous
structural reform to improve the quality of graduates we produce
at every educational
level.
School grounds should be inspected for potential hazards such as: • Verandah poles outside doorways, in thoroughfares or in situations where students are unlikely to see them, especially while running; • Steps and changes in
level which are poorly proportioned, difficult to see or lack handrails; • Fencing, gates and railings which students climb and which have
structural problems, sharp protrusions, splinters or other hazards; • Trip hazards
at ground
level — protruding drainage pit covers, irregular paving, cracks or tree roots in thoroughfares, broken off post or other remnants of old structures; • Loose gravely surfaces on slopes and where students run; • Slippery patches which may stay damp in winter; • Rocks which students can fall onto or throw around; • Embankments which students can slip down or which have protruding sharp objects; • Blind corners in busy areas; taps and hoses which are positioned where students play or walk; window glass
at low
levels through which students could fall; • Holes, cracks or exposed irrigation fixtures in ovals; • Trees or shrubs with poisonous parts, sharp spikes or thorns or branches
at eye
level; • Splinters and deteriorating timbers in seats, retaining edges and other wooden constructions; • sSeds or other areas with hazardous chemicals or machinery to which students have access; rubbish skips which students can climb into or around, or which place students
at risk when trucks enter the school; • Areas within the site used for car parking when students are present; and, • Sporting equipment such as goal posts or basketball rings which have
structural or other design or maintenance
problems.
The
problems with low performing schools and school districts are deeply
structural and will not, in all likelihood, be solved
at the school or district
level.