The impact of globalisation and the concomitant acceleration in information and communication technologies has made reforms to education and training essential in all countries. It is now evident that as a minimum requirement, we must try to deliver positive educational outcomes for close to 100 per cent of school students to the end of senior secondary level. However, even the most advanced school systems have traditionally served well only 70–80 per cent of their students, and have not created environments for all children to reach their potential adequately. This is no longer acceptable for any nation that aspires to prosperity and social cohesion in the 21st century.
