At a time when much in education is challenged and certainly at a time when online technologies are changing the way we see not only HOW we set our classrooms up but WHY we set them up,this statistical account of the lives of young Australians provides a real driver to focus our thinking about how we prepare our young people for the world ahead.

I assert that much of what happens in schools is historical in nature and is increasingly unable to offer real value to the students of our postmodern, information age society. Such external information such as this work will provide some uncomfortable moments for those that set strategic [government and unions]and even tactical [schools s and communities] educational directions in our society.

The challenge for teachers, schools, parents and governments is to remember WHY we are doing what we do in schools and much of the debate about learning, assessment, online technologies will become far clearer. This study reminds us to reflect on the purpose and function of the insitutions that support societies growth.