The School of the Air

Outback Australia is remote, the people living on cattle and sheep stations have an unbelievable childhood in terms of fun and adventure. There is however the important business of educating these kids and this is the role of school of the air where kids logged onto a radio set to undertake their education as their only other option was boarding school.

The teacher would reside in the largest town in the district and every day eager kids would take their lessons via radio set. Every now and again they would all venture into town and meet their teacher and school friends for a school outing. Heading into town could consist of a eight hour car ride, sometimes the trip could be longer.

In the information age, a computer connected to the world wide web dramatically reduces the isolation these kids face. Needless to say, technology enhanced education allows more interactive lessons and webcam although the isolation hasn't changed. Generally, when the kids get older they head off to boarding school but this isn't always the case.

We had a terrible situation where the McGowan government is cutting funding to the School of the Air leaving country kids without great options; fortunately public pressure forced the government to reverse its decision and the School of the Air will continue in Western Australia.