ABSTRACT
“If you can’t ride two wild horses at once, you shouldn’t be in the circus.”
In an attempt to explain why they were trying to hold two seemingly contradictory positions, this native Scottish proverb has been referenced most enthusiastically by politicians James Maxton and Bob Hawke. Across two decades of leadership experience in schools, I have formed the position that this pithy phrase also resonates cogently for Australian educators.
For the benefit of all learners, Australian educators can and must ride two wild horses. Indeed, the principles of holistic education are often represented as being opposed or entirely different to the requirements of academic success measures, such as NAPLAN and tertiary entrance results. Whilst each aspiration brings with it inherent complexities, there are compelling arguments as to why both are essential pursuits
