About the episode

Homelessness, domestic violence, drug use, abuse; there are a myriad of reasons why students might struggle with mainstream education. Following Part One, in this episode you’ll hear from the students who fell out of the mainstream education system, but through determination, and innovative new ways of learning, are sticking it out in school.

Episode 4 of the All Things Equal podcast explores youth homelessness, drug addiction, domestic violence and bad relationships, and how they impact on schooling. It also looks at the educators who are there to help these students and alternative methods of schooling.

We hear more stories from students at Key College, and see how students with problems at home are punished by the mainstream Australian education system. Teachers from the College give their insights into why kids like this fall through the cracks so easily, alternative approaches to learning and the importance of community within a school.

A podcast that will change the way you think about education

We pride ourselves on an egalitarian society, but how equal are we? All Things Equal is an investigative podcast going to the root of inequality in our society. We’ll take you to meet the people affected most, and those trying to turn things around. Season 2, ‘Uniform’ looks at the great equaliser — education. We discover what happens to kids who fall between the cracks and meet some remarkable people who’ve been there to catch them.

All Things Equal is a 2SER podcast made in collaboration with the Centre of Social Justice and Inclusion at the University of Technology Sydney and is hosted by Verity Firth.

Listen now online or on your favourite podcast app and join in the conversation on Facebook or Twitter.