(V2 Session dates: Contact MCSI for details of dates and times)
In addition to ethnographic and other research studies, this unit uses a range of contemporary films such as School of Rock, Our Boys, Plumpton High Babies, and Devil's Playground, to examine the major functions of schooling in Australia. We examine the pastoral, skilling, regulative, human-capital, individual expression, cultural-heritage, and democratic functions of schooling in Australia. As we do so, we consider Christian principles and values that have bearing on each of these functions. For instance, as we consider the individual expression function of schooling, we consider the tensions between child-centred schooling; subject centred schooling, and Christian principles and values that call both into question. Using this framework, we examine the functions of Christian faith-based schools (Catholic, independent, Anglican, and Christian schools).
