The education revolution is one of Labor's big policy promises.
The German International School in Sydney offers an alternative to the Australian school system.
In 2008 a number of schools are celebrating 125 years of public education, including both Sydney Boys and Sydney Girls High Schools, built on the site of Australia's first zoo.
Many high school students in small country areas are rivalling the academic achievements of those enrolled in Australia's most elite secondary colleges.
Half of all high school students have part-time jobs and juggle work and study.
The Education Minister, Julia Gillard, wants schools to be more accountable and she's particularly impressed by the New York system of school reporting.
Are private schools getting more than their fair share of public money?
Monica Attard interviews the the New Yorker who inspired the Rudd government to implement the 'education revolution', Joel Klein, New York City's schools chancellor. Read Transcript
Closing the gap between boys' ability and their actual achievements is a key focus of psychologist Dr Adam Cox.
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