Grappling with the issues

Lloyd Bennett

by John Gore

Teachers’ Christian Fellowship of NSW Inc

If you are a teacher, parent, or citizen concerned about your school, class or children and the direction education is going, then this book is for you. Right up to date, it addresses a huge range of current and controversial issues in education today with a clear Christian perspective in the name of our Lord Jesus.

John Gore’s knowledge and wide experience in senior leadership in the NSW Department of Education, together with his deep and informed Christian commitment, allows him to explore issues in education with a consideration of their place in history, relevant legislation and the latest developments. The book is well referenced, including the judicious use of two papers first published in the Journal of Christian Education.

Thread by thread raw grasping hands strip rip and wear tear down the shroud the weaving worn the warp left weft the miracle frayed from robes to rags to poor disdain but from this hem rose immaterial immortal power anointer cleanser a healing salve a touch and warmth a robe reaching down a golden sash around his chest seven stars and light upon his head

Craig Lawn

Setting the foundation of a Christian philosophy of education, the book asks, “Can education in state schools be Christian?” Gore then goes on to consider issues as wide-ranging as rote learning, homework, Anzac Day and teaching about Christmas, as well as offering a practical guide to classroom discipline.

He expresses pity for parents who have to choose a school for their children in the light of NAPLAN and PISA (Program for International Student Assessment) league tables and their restricting effect on the curriculum.

The complex issues of sex education, alcohol and other drugs, the role of parents, educational disadvantage, the challenge of LGBTQIA+ students and discrimination are all covered, along