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Free Schools
The bestselling author of
Sweet Poison
shows us how to get the better of an education system that is costing a fortune in fees, yet failing to deliver.
David Gillespie has six kids. When it came time to select high schools, he thought it worth doing some investigation to assess the level of advantage his kids would enjoy if he spent the required $1.3 million to send them all to private schools.
Shockingly, the answer was: none whatsoever.
Intrigued, David continued his research, only to discover he was wrong on most counts - as are most parents - when it comes to working out what factors deliver a great education.
He discovered that class size doesn't matter, your kids aren't any better off in co-ed than single-sex schools (and vice versa), composite classes are fine, fancy buildings are a waste of money, the old-tie network won't cut it in the new industries and NAPLAN is misread by everyone so is largely meaningless as a measure of quality.
Taking on an ingrained and historical system of vested interests - the unions, the government, our own sense of worth, privilege and entitlement - this book is controversial and absolutely necessary. It is well researched, authoritative and accessible. It is a must-read for parents, as well as teachers and policy-makers.
David Gillespie has six kids. When it came time to select high schools, he thought it worth doing some investigation to assess the level of advantage his kids would enjoy if he spent the required $1.3 million to send them all to private schools.
Shockingly, the answer was: none whatsoever.
Intrigued, David continued his research, only to discover he was wrong on most counts - as are most parents - when it comes to working out what factors deliver a great education.
He discovered that class size doesn't matter, your kids aren't any better off in co-ed than single-sex schools (and vice versa), composite classes are fine, fancy buildings are a waste of money, the old-tie network won't cut it in the new industries and NAPLAN is misread by everyone so is largely meaningless as a measure of quality.
Taking on an ingrained and historical system of vested interests - the unions, the government, our own sense of worth, privilege and entitlement - this book is controversial and absolutely necessary. It is well researched, authoritative and accessible. It is a must-read for parents, as well as teachers and policy-makers.
272 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2014
27 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
About the author
David Gillespie
45 books98 followersDavid Gillespie is a recovering corporate lawyer, former co-founder of a successful software company and investor in several software startups.
He is also the father of six young children (including one set of twins). With such a lot of extra time on his hands, and 40 extra kilos on his waistline, he set out to investigate why he, like so many in his generation, was fat.
He deciphered the latest medical findings on diet and weight gain and what he found was chilling. Being fat was the least of his problems. He needed to stop poisoning himself.
His first book, Sweet Poison, published in 2008 is widely credited with starting the current Australian wave of anti-sugar sentiment.
He is also the father of six young children (including one set of twins). With such a lot of extra time on his hands, and 40 extra kilos on his waistline, he set out to investigate why he, like so many in his generation, was fat.
He deciphered the latest medical findings on diet and weight gain and what he found was chilling. Being fat was the least of his problems. He needed to stop poisoning himself.
His first book, Sweet Poison, published in 2008 is widely credited with starting the current Australian wave of anti-sugar sentiment.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 31, 2014
This is a book about the Australian school system, so if you don't live in Australia, you're unlikely to be terribly interested in it. Nevertheless the author presents a lot of information about global best practice in education and the things that don't matter a jot, much of which is applicable to other countries.
For example, if you were choosing a school for your child - and assuming that you could afford it - would you not be attracted to a single sex school with high fees but offering gorgeous grounds, fantastic facilities, small class sizes, substantial homework and great exam results? The author argues that NONE of these things will deliver a better education for your child than they could have got elsewhere. Moreover, he has a substantial amount of research from all over the world to support his opinion.
The things that do make a difference are the teacher and the principal. The school needs to have a teaching culture of continuous learning and a leader who can get the best from the teachers. Other smaller influences that help your child's performance are a music program, tuition in a second language and the inclusion of parents in the educational loop. Gillespie offers lots of advice in how to spot the schools that are doing the important things right.
I found this book utterly fascinating. Gillespie presents a lot of information in a way that's never dry and often has a touch of humour. It's tremendously thought provoking.
For example, if you were choosing a school for your child - and assuming that you could afford it - would you not be attracted to a single sex school with high fees but offering gorgeous grounds, fantastic facilities, small class sizes, substantial homework and great exam results? The author argues that NONE of these things will deliver a better education for your child than they could have got elsewhere. Moreover, he has a substantial amount of research from all over the world to support his opinion.
The things that do make a difference are the teacher and the principal. The school needs to have a teaching culture of continuous learning and a leader who can get the best from the teachers. Other smaller influences that help your child's performance are a music program, tuition in a second language and the inclusion of parents in the educational loop. Gillespie offers lots of advice in how to spot the schools that are doing the important things right.
I found this book utterly fascinating. Gillespie presents a lot of information in a way that's never dry and often has a touch of humour. It's tremendously thought provoking.
May 10, 2014
This is an easy-to-read guide to parents on what to look for when selecting a school. It covers the history of education in Australia and explains how we ended up with the two tier system of government funded schools (all schools are government funded). It would be tremendous to read as a parent, but it also makes fascinating reading as a teacher. It is a summary of the research to date on what works and what is just a waste of money, and is relayed in a charming style.
April 8, 2016
A fascinating read. As always, the author communicates the concepts and research clearly, and even does so entertainingly. It was both disheartening to read about the problems with the Australian education system, and enlightening to read research-based, step-by-step instructions on choosing a good school, regardless of fees. I think it will be really helpful one day when we're choosing schools for our (as yet non-existent) children.
October 18, 2019
Loved the first half of the book explaining how the Australian school system evolved from colonisation. Interesting advice in the second half. Well-written and -researched.
March 31, 2015
This was a good read, reminding me of the inequities of our different tiers of schooling.
I fail to understand why government funding is proportionately different across the tiers. I'm not happy about funding independent schools, after all, parents make a choice about sending their kids to them, so why should public schools miss out on per student funding? However, I recognise it makes some sense.
I do believe however, that all schools should receive the same amount per student, with extra allocated according to specific needs, such as to overcome building decay and provide resources for special needs students. If a school is receiving the majority of their funding from the parents, I don't honestly understand why they have a need for government funds that are sorely needed elsewhere. I especially feel this way when I see these same schools spending thousands on freeway billboards and local newspaper glossy multi-page spreads, while the local schools can't afford to do the same.
The one aspect I disagree with is that class sizes make no difference. In this age of appreciating the need for differentiation for each student, having too many students makes this harder for even the best teacher.
I wholeheartedly agree that our current system is actively poaching the students who would perform strongly, away from the local government schools, where they most likely would have continued to perform well. The end result is that the highly regarded schools continue to churn out high performers, and fewer appear in the local schools' results.
There are benefits to choosing a school that suits your child's own needs. However, I don't believe that the only way to ensure your child receives a decent education is to pay thousands of dollars per year, sometimes an entire low income earner's salary. I know of people who do feel this way, and who are working themselves ragged to keep up, rather than being able to be financially comfortable, and provide other benefits to their children.
I do agree that schools should keep in regular communication with parents, and give them the opportunity to know what is being taught in class. I am not a fan of homework, but other methods of reinforcing learning at home are very effective. Knowing what is happening at school, parents can incorporate learning opportunities into their daily lives, to keep engaged with their children's schooling.
I fail to understand why government funding is proportionately different across the tiers. I'm not happy about funding independent schools, after all, parents make a choice about sending their kids to them, so why should public schools miss out on per student funding? However, I recognise it makes some sense.
I do believe however, that all schools should receive the same amount per student, with extra allocated according to specific needs, such as to overcome building decay and provide resources for special needs students. If a school is receiving the majority of their funding from the parents, I don't honestly understand why they have a need for government funds that are sorely needed elsewhere. I especially feel this way when I see these same schools spending thousands on freeway billboards and local newspaper glossy multi-page spreads, while the local schools can't afford to do the same.
The one aspect I disagree with is that class sizes make no difference. In this age of appreciating the need for differentiation for each student, having too many students makes this harder for even the best teacher.
I wholeheartedly agree that our current system is actively poaching the students who would perform strongly, away from the local government schools, where they most likely would have continued to perform well. The end result is that the highly regarded schools continue to churn out high performers, and fewer appear in the local schools' results.
There are benefits to choosing a school that suits your child's own needs. However, I don't believe that the only way to ensure your child receives a decent education is to pay thousands of dollars per year, sometimes an entire low income earner's salary. I know of people who do feel this way, and who are working themselves ragged to keep up, rather than being able to be financially comfortable, and provide other benefits to their children.
I do agree that schools should keep in regular communication with parents, and give them the opportunity to know what is being taught in class. I am not a fan of homework, but other methods of reinforcing learning at home are very effective. Knowing what is happening at school, parents can incorporate learning opportunities into their daily lives, to keep engaged with their children's schooling.
March 12, 2014
yet another book I've read on this subject to help me get my ahead around exactly what I value in terms of education! Given I'm in the midst of school open day tours, interviews, and generally immersed in all things "choosing a school" this book provided a sound and reassuring perspective that private schools are no better than public in terms of educational outcomes for students or teacher quality, but that you certainly are paying for better resources (green grassy sports fields, sports stadiums, music facilities etc), and you are paying for the 'student cohort' you want your kids to socialise with. So. Much food for thought. How important is that stuff? Is it 'worth' the cost?
I've devoured the OECD reports, and fully understand how whole socioeconomic exodus from local public schools to the perceived 'better' schools, leaving some public schools to become hubs of disadvantaged students with poorer outcomes. It is so entirely relevant and in my face in the area we live, and with a newly implemented 'ban' on enrolling in out of catchment schools, it has effectively made the choices for my daughter - well, not so much a choice! I love the idea of public education. I also am terrified that it means my child will be in one of 8 kindergarten classes because the school is SO DAMM BIG. (Hey NSW Government - how about some new schools on the Northern Beaches of Sydney???!) Incidently, Gillespie says it doesn't matter if its a 'big' school or a 'small' school. But to me - a big school possible means 'less' community. Harder to form connections - for the parents as well.
Have given this to my husband to read, as I really need him to get 'up to speed' on this stuff . I need someone who knows 'our' kid, our area, and the broader implications of our decision to really discuss it all with.
Also found it interesting concerning the topic of 'tutoring'. Gillespie cites research (that I've not verified!) that it is pretty pointless unless for a remedial benefit, but if your child is already a kid who gets 93% it may bump them up to 95%, so incremental benefit - it is worth it? He talks about it terms of the Selective school process (again very relevant for the area I live - a Selective school is in my suburb).
All good stuff to think about...
I've devoured the OECD reports, and fully understand how whole socioeconomic exodus from local public schools to the perceived 'better' schools, leaving some public schools to become hubs of disadvantaged students with poorer outcomes. It is so entirely relevant and in my face in the area we live, and with a newly implemented 'ban' on enrolling in out of catchment schools, it has effectively made the choices for my daughter - well, not so much a choice! I love the idea of public education. I also am terrified that it means my child will be in one of 8 kindergarten classes because the school is SO DAMM BIG. (Hey NSW Government - how about some new schools on the Northern Beaches of Sydney???!) Incidently, Gillespie says it doesn't matter if its a 'big' school or a 'small' school. But to me - a big school possible means 'less' community. Harder to form connections - for the parents as well.
Have given this to my husband to read, as I really need him to get 'up to speed' on this stuff . I need someone who knows 'our' kid, our area, and the broader implications of our decision to really discuss it all with.
Also found it interesting concerning the topic of 'tutoring'. Gillespie cites research (that I've not verified!) that it is pretty pointless unless for a remedial benefit, but if your child is already a kid who gets 93% it may bump them up to 95%, so incremental benefit - it is worth it? He talks about it terms of the Selective school process (again very relevant for the area I live - a Selective school is in my suburb).
All good stuff to think about...
March 24, 2014
Very useful. David Gillespie writes in a straightforward, very readable way - so despite there being lots of information to digest, it's a quick read. This is written for parents, not policy wonks.
The first part of the book includes a potted history of education in Australia, which was fascinating; I realised how very little I had known about this. The second part of the book focuses on what makes a good school. The answer is (1) good teachers and (2) a strong principal. Everything else is subsidiary. (In terms of assessing what makes a good teacher, Gillespie highlights one particular piece of NAPLAN data that's very useful.)
Of course, this is just one perspective and it is biased. But it seems very well-researched and is certainly worth reading.
The first part of the book includes a potted history of education in Australia, which was fascinating; I realised how very little I had known about this. The second part of the book focuses on what makes a good school. The answer is (1) good teachers and (2) a strong principal. Everything else is subsidiary. (In terms of assessing what makes a good teacher, Gillespie highlights one particular piece of NAPLAN data that's very useful.)
Of course, this is just one perspective and it is biased. But it seems very well-researched and is certainly worth reading.
April 2, 2019
A frank and fascinating look at the school system in Australia - or, more specifically, what works and what doesn’t.
The value of this book is not only in its tireless use of studies from around the world but also in its actionable tips to help you choose the right school for your son or daughter.
In short, we are spun a yarn. What we are told matters, really doesn’t. But what does matter then? Good teachers, good parenting and good variation in educational activities. And I buy that.
Education in Australia (and around the world) is big business so we shouldn’t be surprised that we are being sold to. But this book teaches you to look beyond the marketing and to understand the realities of a great education.
Highly recommended for parents everywhere (not just Australia).
The value of this book is not only in its tireless use of studies from around the world but also in its actionable tips to help you choose the right school for your son or daughter.
In short, we are spun a yarn. What we are told matters, really doesn’t. But what does matter then? Good teachers, good parenting and good variation in educational activities. And I buy that.
Education in Australia (and around the world) is big business so we shouldn’t be surprised that we are being sold to. But this book teaches you to look beyond the marketing and to understand the realities of a great education.
Highly recommended for parents everywhere (not just Australia).
January 4, 2016
This is a readable book that claims to distill the research on what matters in choosing a school into one short book. My only criticism is that I expected footnotes and a long list of references to research papers to support the author's claims. There were minimal bibliographic references so I'm still left wondering whether the author's conclusions are based on solid evidence.
That said, I'm a teacher and my background reading of a lot of educational research does generally support the author's claims. This is a very readable book that gives good guidance for parents.
That said, I'm a teacher and my background reading of a lot of educational research does generally support the author's claims. This is a very readable book that gives good guidance for parents.
March 17, 2014
Really interesting to read about how the education system started in Australia and the history of the government/independent school divide. Had no idea about history of the teachers union so that was also fascinating. Despite a load of stats (a MASSIVE load) David remains reasonably entertaining throughout the book. I still don't feel terribly confident that I can find a govt high school that meets his criteria but it does give me something to go on.
April 17, 2020
Easy guide on the education system in Australia. Pro-public system, and acknowledges all normal fears, ideals and desires of parents wanting the best education for their children. It re enforced the fact that public schools are enough and the need for fantastic teachers.
September 7, 2014
A good explanation of Australian schools system
June 15, 2014
loved it...just what I needed to read as #1 heads to high school next year
April 6, 2014
This is essential reading for teachers as well as parents. I don't agree with everything he says, but he's spot on for most of it.
August 22, 2014
Found this book to be relevant to the current education system in Australia.
Suggested considerations when choosing a school was well informed and useful.
Suggested considerations when choosing a school was well informed and useful.
October 12, 2014
So interesting! I highly recommend this to my teacher friends.
August 8, 2018
good read
July 7, 2021
The first part of Free Schools highlights what's different between high performing schools around the world and those in Australia (public, Catholic and independent). It states what I thought should have been obvious (and I'm happy to say is changing - at least at my school): teachers have way too much autonomy in their classrooms.
The way Australian schools differ from Singapore or Finnish schools is in the amount of time there are at least two teachers in the room. One to teach the lesson and the other to take notes and coach the junior teacher.
This was very different from my initial experience teaching in Australia where I probably one or two observations per year. Things have started to change though. These days: I observe other teachers once a fortnight and other teachers observe me once a fortnight as well.
It has made a massive difference to the way I teach.
The second part of the book is about how to select a school. Price does not necessarily equate to teaching quality. Bottom line - teacher quality matters. But you can't meet with an interview all the teachers, so spend time getting to know the principal or headmaster. Good principal = good school.
Easy read. Finished it in a weekend.
The way Australian schools differ from Singapore or Finnish schools is in the amount of time there are at least two teachers in the room. One to teach the lesson and the other to take notes and coach the junior teacher.
This was very different from my initial experience teaching in Australia where I probably one or two observations per year. Things have started to change though. These days: I observe other teachers once a fortnight and other teachers observe me once a fortnight as well.
It has made a massive difference to the way I teach.
The second part of the book is about how to select a school. Price does not necessarily equate to teaching quality. Bottom line - teacher quality matters. But you can't meet with an interview all the teachers, so spend time getting to know the principal or headmaster. Good principal = good school.
Easy read. Finished it in a weekend.
Read
July 23, 2019Excellent.
Read
February 3, 2020Great insight into the Australian education system and what to look for in a school (public or private).
February 21, 2017
Maybe a few assumptions underpinning this, but apart from that, excellent ideas for choosing schools.
December 16, 2015
Although I admire Gillespie and enjoyed this book, never once does he acknowledge that parents may have other reasons than education or status for sending their children to a religious school. You can mention any weird philosophy or idea except God, in public schools, and not everybody wants Evolution shoved down their kids' throats. Christian schools acknowledge Evolution but teach Creation also.
I went all public myself, which was fine academically, and I got into Melbourne University, but found it quite stressful that I couldn't be me, as a Christian, at school. My older 3 kids did a mixture of Christian schools and public, and enjoyed the freedom to be themselves at Christian schools. I've taught in Christian schools and it's lovely that God is just naturally there in all subjects.
I went all public myself, which was fine academically, and I got into Melbourne University, but found it quite stressful that I couldn't be me, as a Christian, at school. My older 3 kids did a mixture of Christian schools and public, and enjoyed the freedom to be themselves at Christian schools. I've taught in Christian schools and it's lovely that God is just naturally there in all subjects.
July 5, 2015
Recommended for parents, this book simplifies a lot of educational research to show which factors you should consider when choosing a school. Interesting as a parent, but also as a teacher, although my inside knowledge meant I found some of the generalisations and overall recommendations a bit simplistic.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews