Education should be the cornerstone of intellectual growth, equipping young minds with the critical thinking skills they need to navigate an increasingly complex world. In recent years, however, rather than focusing on core subjects such as math, reading, and science, our schools have become battlegrounds for political agendas, leaving students unprepared for future challenges. This shift has raised concerns about the direction of our educational system, and it is time to address this issue head-on and restore political neutrality in our classrooms.

The Ideological Shift: A Cause for Concern

In 2005, the Australian Education Union (AEU) president’s 2005 said “we have succeeded in influencing curriculum development in schools, education departments and universities. The conservatives have a lot of work to do to undo the progressive curriculum”. This leaves no doubt: our schools have become a means to predispose the impressionable minds of kids with left-wing ideas.

Ideologically-driven curriculums prioritizing social justice, sustainability, and global citizenship are now central to ACARA's syllabus, and have caused a drastic decline in academic performance. The evidence is clear: as shown in a Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) study, between 2003 and 2015, Australian students' performance in essential subjects has been in steady decline, with math scores dropping by 26.7 points.

The Hidden Costs: Mental Health and Social Division

Beyond academic decline, the current curriculum, with its heavy focus on race and climate change, is also taking a toll on students' mental health. The rise of "eco-anxiety" fueled by an intense focus on climate change, is just one example. The American Psychological Association has linked this phenomenon to various mental health disorders, from simple anxiety or stress to PTSD and even suicide. Moreover, the emphasis on multiculturalism and race-related topics has fostered feelings of guilt and remorse in non-Indigenous students (also known as "white guilt"), who are made to believe they possess "unearned and unfair privileges" Meanwhile, Indigenous students are cast into a narrative of victimhood and entitlement, preventing them from any chance of personal empowerment.

The Growing Threat of Social Polarization

The current approach to education doesn't just affect individual students; it has broader implications for society as a whole. By emphasizing identity politics and divisive narratives, our schools are inadvertently deepening social divides. When students are repeatedly exposed to teachings that highlight differences over commonalities, it fosters an "us versus them" mentality. This is particularly evident in discussions surrounding race, gender, and social class, where the focus often shifts from shared values and goals to an emphasis on historical grievances and systemic inequalities.

This approach risks creating a generation that views society through the lens of division rather than unity. Instead of learning to appreciate different perspectives while recognizing common ground, students are being taught to see themselves as part of distinct, often opposing, groups. This polarization doesn't just stay within the classroom walls; it extends into broader society, influencing how young people interact with others and how they perceive their role in the world. Over time, this could lead to increased social fragmentation, where mutual understanding and cooperation become increasingly difficult to achieve as each political side moves inevitably away from the centre.

The Rise of Homeschooling: A Response to a Broken System

In light of the current educational landscape, it's no surprise that homeschooling is on the rise in Australia, as highlighted by a recent report. Between 2019 and 2023, there was a 100% increase in kids who are homeschooled (from 21,966 to 43,892 respectively); the highest increase was found in QSL with a 195% over the 4 years, followed by NSW (110%), SA (73%), VIC (72%), NT and ACT (52%) and TAS (35%).

This trend reflects growing dissatisfaction with the traditional public and private education systems. Parents are clearly and fairly unhappy with the direction of mainstream education. The decision to homeschool is often driven by a desire to provide children with a more balanced, academically rigorous, and ideologically neutral education—free from the pressures of identity politics and social engineering that have become prevalent in Australian schools.

A Return to Political Neutrality and Core Subjects

The solution is clear: we must return to a curriculum that prioritizes core subjects and fosters political neutrality. Our classrooms should be places where students are exposed to a broad range of ideas, allowing them to develop into independent thinkers capable of making informed decisions. By removing ideological bias from our schools, we can create a more balanced, comprehensive educational environment that truly prepares students for the future, one focused on core subjects like reading, writing, mathematics, and science, while also encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. These are the skills that will empower them to thrive as young adults.

The Path Forward

It is time to reclaim our classrooms from ideological agendas and return to a curriculum that prioritizes the basics. Ensuring political neutrality in education is not just about improving academic performance—it’s about protecting our students' mental health, fostering unity, and preparing the next generation to think critically and act independently. Education institutions shape the future citizens of our nation, and by promoting a balanced, politically neutral curriculum, we can help students develop into well-rounded individuals who are capable of contributing positively to society. This will not only benefit the students themselves but also contribute to a more cohesive, unified Australia.

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