Pasi Sahlberg Conversation Series 2023
4 April and 6 June 2023
In the Utzon Room
A series of talks about the Australian education sector
Influential writer, practitioner and researcher of global education trends, Pasi Sahlberg presents a series of conversations with passionate national and international education thought leaders discussing the Australian education sector.
This season includes two events, 4 April & 6 June 2023
Fixing the Teacher Crisis
Tuesday 4 April, 6:30pm
Celebrating the Power of Play
Tuesday 6 June, 6:30pm
| Ticket | Price |
| All tickets | $27.50 |
Suitable for teachers
We welcome teachers from the primary to tertiary sector, colleagues from the cultural and arts industries, and those interested in unpacking how and why we learn.
Run time
This program runs for 90 mins.
Schools should be dialed-in 15 minutes prior to the commencement of the session to test camera and microphone. Program duration is a guide only and may be subject to change.
Pasi SahlbergIf we all think the same way, none of us probably thinks very much.
A series of conversations about the Australian education sector
Influential writer, practitioner and researcher of global education trends, Pasi Sahlberg presents a series of conversations with national and international thought leaders sketching the rationale and urgency for reform of the Australian education sector.
Sahlberg believes that while we may boast some of the best schools in the world by international standards, we equally tolerate a system that enables some students to experience significant disadvantage. Professor Sahlberg wants to initiate a conversation with the Australian community about how this can be addressed.
In these conversations, Sahlberg will lead dialogues on the role of wellbeing, equity, policy and the importance of play for children. These conversations will be directed by audience participation and will actively engage guests in thinking deeper and broader about the current problems of education.
Presented by Sydney Opera House
Fixing the Teacher Crisis
4 April 2023
Teaching used to be perceived as a respected and valued profession, but not anymore. Around the world, fewer young people consider the teaching profession a lifelong career, this has become evident in Australia over the last decade. In this conversation, Pasi Sahlberg will explore some of the root causes of what is now called the 'teacher crisis' and seek solutions to ensure all children in Australia have qualified and passionate teachers in their schools. Pasi asks us to consider what happens if the teacher crisis remains unfixed.
Celebrating the Power of Play
6 June 2023
Play is one of the most natural things we all do in life. It is also an effective way of learning and making sense of the world around us. Yet children today play less than their parents did when they were young. Playtime has gradually been declining in and out of schools. In this conversation Pasi Sahlberg and invited experts celebrate the power of play by discussing what we know about its impacts on children, their development, well-being, and learning. The conversation will focus on ways to bring more play back in schools and at homes, for the benefit of both children and adults. This session will also involve playful participation!
Pasi Sahlberg
Pasi Sahlberg is an author, scholar and educator who has worked as a mathematics and science teacher, teacher-educator, researcher and policy-maker in Finland. He has studied education systems and advised on education system reforms around the world, publishing over 170 academic and professional articles and 22 books on the topic. His most recent book is Let the Children Play! How more play will save our schools and help children thrive (with William Doyle, 2019). He has held numerous advisory roles in international organisations like the World Bank, the European Training Foundation, and has been an education policy expert to the OECD, European Commission and Finnish Governments Foreign Ministry and numerous others.
His research concludes that Australia has schools that are up there with the best in the world, but we tolerate a system where some students experience significant disadvantages. Professor Sahlberg wants to initiate a conversation with the Australian community about how this disparity can be addressed, leading dialogues on international standards, policy and the importance of play for children. He is currently the Professor of educational leadership at the University of Melbourne.
Other information
Frequently asked questions
Please ensure that your group arrives at the venue 30 minutes prior to the performance start time.
If you are late, we will seat you as soon as possible, but please be aware that some events have lock out periods where late comers cannot be admitted until a suitable break in the performance. Occasionally this is not until the interval, and in some instances late comers won’t be admitted at all.
Yes, use this information to prepare a risk assessment and risk management plan. Teachers undertaking a risk assessment and risk management plan should be aware that Sydney Opera House cannot complete the risk assessment for them.
Food and drink are permitted inside the foyers, but not in the venues.
Please contact our Creative Learning Ticketing Specialists on 02 9250 7770 as soon as possible to advise if your group can no longer attend.
The Opera House is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children that visit or engage with us. Read our Child Safety Policy.
The Opera House has also developed a Child-friendly Code of Conduct to engage with our youngest visitors.
Getting here
The Sydney Opera House Car Park, operated by Wilson Parking, is open and available to use. Wilson Parking offer discounted parking if you book ahead. Please see the Wilson Parking website for details.
Please check the Transport NSW website for the latest advice and information on travel. You can catch public transport (bus, train, ferry) to Circular Quay and enjoy a six minute walk to the Opera House.
Covid-safe information
The health and wellbeing of everyone attending the Opera House is our top priority. We’re committed to making your experience safe, comfortable and enjoyable, with a number of measures in place including regular cleaning of high-touch areas, air conditioning systems that maximise ventilation, and hand sanitiser stations positioned in all paths of travel. We remind our audiences and visitors to please stay home if you feel unwell. If you need to discuss your ticketing or booking options, contact our Box Office team on 02 9250 7777.
The health and wellbeing of everyone attending the Opera House is our top priority. We have a number of safety measures in place including regular cleaning of high-touch areas, air conditioning systems that maximise ventilation, and hand sanitiser stations positioned in all paths of travel. While face masks are no longer required, we ask all our patrons and visitors to practise good hygiene.
The Sydney Opera House no longer requires patrons to show that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Excursions at the Opera House
A Day Out at the House
Offer your students an unforgettable day out at the Sydney Opera House with our new curated program. Students can attend a Creative Learning Performance or Workshop onsite accompanied by a Walking Tour of our internationally renowned performing arts centre, all in time to back by the final school bell.
Arts Assist
Does your School need financial assistance to attend a Sydney Opera House excursion?
Schools Tour
Filled with stories that demonstrate the power of creativity, students join a guided tour to learn how architect Jørn Utzon created a sculpture on Sydney Harbour that changed the course of 20th century architecture.
