Thats a good point Berrme.. I dont think being "allowed" to smoke at school keeps kids there.. a crock if you ask me.. they are there smoking anyway..

I think the "be in school till 18, or no centrelink" has MUCH more to do with the rise in attendance, not a smoking oval... are kids honestly saying " yeah, well, hated school, dont want an education, but they let me smoke in the open, not behind the shed, so now I want an education. Made all the difference"... I highly doubt it.
I wonder how many are there because without they get no money, over having a smoking spot???