At a time when schooling is more important than ever for families, and where there is great public concern about educational standards and outcomes, Craig Campbell and Helen Proctor show what is new and what is an echo of older agendas. They offer a comprehensive history of Australian schooling from colonial days to the present, highlighting the ways in which schooling has helped shape society. They identify distinctive features of the Australian education system: the strength of the non-government sector, the experiences of Indigenous children, and the relationship with global trends. From the bush to the burgeoning cities, they consider the impact of schools on children and young people over the decades. This book is an invaluable resource for anyone involved with Australian schools.