Pasi Sahlberg Conversation Series 2023
4 April and 6 June 2023
In the Utzon Room
SchoolsA 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
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Ticket |
Price |
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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 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
We recommend your group arrives early at the venue, at least 45 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.
Please call Front of House on 02 9250 7134 to notify us if your group is running late.
The closest location to disembark from buses and coaches is on Macquarie Street. Please contact City of Sydney to confirm bus and coach set down areas. We recommend allowing an additional 10 minutes for walking from Macquarie Street. There is no bus parking onsite at Sydney Opera House.
Circular Quay is the closest station for public transport via train, bus and ferry. We recommend allowing 15 minutes to walk from Circular Quay for school groups. To view timetable information and ensure your public transport needs can be met, please contact Transport NSW. Please check the Transport NSW website for the latest advice and information on COVID-19 safety measures for public transport.
The safety and security of everyone visiting our site is paramount. We require all items larger than the dimensions of an A4 piece of paper to be cloaked. As our cloakrooms have limited space, we request that where possible teachers and students do not bring large bags/backpacks with them to the performance.
Yes. Please visit our Policies page for more information.
If your students are bringing a packed lunch, Royal Botanic Gardens adjacent to the Opera House is quite pleasant in fine weather. Alternatively, our restaurants offer everything from casual snacks to kid friendly meals.
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. If your group can no longer attend because your school is located in a hotspot, or has had a positive case of COVID-19 symptoms, the Opera House has introduced flexible ticketing options to help you.
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 their website for details.
Please check the Transport NSW website for the latest advice and information on travel and COVID-19 safety measures. You can catch public transport (bus, train, ferry) to Circular Quay and enjoy a six min 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 encourage you to wear a mask in indoor settings or when physical distancing can’t be maintained, and 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.
Nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of everyone on site, and we are closely following NSW Health guidelines and advice. The Sydney Opera House is registered as a COVID Safe business with the NSW Government. For detailed information about our COVID-19 safety measures and what’s required of you when visiting, please see our plan your visit page.
Face masks are strongly recommended for all patrons while inside our theatres and foyers, including during the performance. Please bring your own mask.
As you move around the Opera House, practise physical distancing (1.5 metres whenever possible) and follow the guidance provided by our staff and signage.
Within venues, always take your allocated seat.
For detailed information about our COVID-19 safety measures and what’s required of you, please see our plan your visit page.
The Sydney Opera House no longer requires patrons to show that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Face masks are strongly recommended for all patrons while inside our theatres and foyers, including during the performance. Please bring your own mask.
Contact information is required when making a booking with us and upon arrival at the Opera House, as set out in our General Terms and Conditions for Tickets and Attendance at Events and our Customer Privacy Statement.
As the ticket purchaser, you are responsible for recording the contact details of your guests. Contact information will only be used for the purposes of contact tracing, if required, and will be deleted at least 28 days after your event.
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