Pyne launches Learning Potential App

The Minister for Education and Training, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, today launched a great new mobile app to encourage parents to get more involved in their children’s education.

Mr Pyne said the free Learning Potential app is available to download now on Android and Apple devices, and is packed full of great articles and informative videos, tips and suggestions.

“The Learning Potential app offers inspiring ways for parents to become more engaged in their children’s learning at any age – from high chair to high school,” Mr Pyne said.

“For example, if you have very young children, there are tips on simple ways to make reading fun, even if you don’t have a book handy. For kids in primary school, there are educational games to play in the car or when you are doing the grocery shopping.

“‘Grocery bingo’ is a great game for kids to play to help find groceries on supermarket shelves and cross each item off the shopping list as they are collected.

“While ‘Junior bargain shopper’ is a game for kids to help learn things like which brand is cheaper or which item is on discount, and how to pick out grocery items that are Australian made.

“For parents with children in high school, there are tips on getting through homework and building their confidence at school. There is great advice on three questions that every parent should be asking teachers at parent teacher meetings.

“Parents can personalise the app for their children and importantly, it is completely private – no data is collected. Once personalised, the app will direct you to tips and ideas relevant to your child’s age group.”

Mr Pyne said the app was developed by the Australian Government Department of Education and Training in consultation with the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority.

Education policy research, including findings from the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth, as well as feedback from parents, has also been used to inform the content of the Learning Potential app.

“A key part of a good education is having parents involved and supporting their children’s learning, and when schools and families work together, children do better and stay in school longer,” Mr Pyne said.

“Researchers around the world agree – when parents are part of learning, there can be a positive impact.

“Engaging parents early is one of the four pillars of our Students First education policy framework.

“We want students to have a quality education with access to the best teachers, an up-to-date and relevant curriculum, and we want to empower parents, teachers, principals, and the school community to make the most of their child’s early learning and school years.”

You can find out more at www.australia.gov.au/learningpotential.