Education Three years ago, Queensland was the only state in Australia that did not offer a full-time preparatory year. Piloted in Queensland schools since 2003, a full-time preparatory year will be universally available across Queensland from 2007 onwards. This represents a substantial leap in the Government’s investment in education.
Committing to literacyLiteracy is at the heart of a student’s ability to learn and succeed in school and beyond. In 2006-07, the Queensland Government is providing $173.1 million to improve student literacy and numeracy outcomes for all of Queensland’s students. A new literacy framework, Literacy – the Key to Learning: Framework for Action 2006-2008, for Queensland State schools focuses on four key elements: teacher professional development, literacy in the curriculum, student learning and leadership. In addition, $35.6 million is being provided over four years to improve literacy for students in State, Catholic and independent schools by providing intensive literacy support for students in Years 5 and 7 who struggle to meet literacy standards.
Improving outcomes for young peopleSweeping reforms are reshaping Queensland education and training systems to cater for students’ individual needs, inspire academic achievement and equip them for the world of work.
Since 2002, the Queensland Government has invested $500 million in the Education and Training Reforms for the Future (ETRF) program to:
Equipping schools for the futureAnnounced in the 2006 Budget, an additional investment of $1 billion will ensure Queensland students have the best possible facilities to meet the needs of the future. This will include:
an additional $100 million to non-state schools, provided in 2005-06 as capital assistance.
Helping our best get even better The Queensland Government is focused on developing Smart Academies to support our best and brightest students with curriculum options that have a specialist focus. Commencing in 2007, a new Creative Industries Academy and a new Science, Maths and Technology Academy will offer Queensland’s best and brightest students an opportunity to fast-track school studies, study university subjects and work with industry to combine career-based and university-level studies.
Located within the Kelvin Grove Urban Village and developed in partnership with the Queensland University of Technology, the Creative Industries Academy will provide a challenging program for students interested in developing their abilities in visual art, drama, media/film, music or a combination of these. The Science, Maths and Technology Academy, located in Toowong, is linked with the University of Queensland. Both academies will seek to develop these highly talented students through real-world applications, enabling them to experience how their skills and interests might translate into a successful career. Griffith University will also be working with the academies to offer students opportunities within specialist programs.
The curriculum for the academies is planned to be the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, which has become a leading, internationally recognised, pre-university qualification. Student entry to the academies is on a merit basis and includes an entrance exam and interviews with students and parents, and may also include the submission of a portfolio of work or performance audition.
In addition, a new Queensland academy to provide talented students with career options in the health and allied health industries will be located in the Griffith University’s Gold Coast campus precinct. Opening in 2008, the new academy will partner with the newly established Medical, Dental and Allied Health Faculty at Griffith University and will help address the shortage of health professionals.
More and better skills for QueenslandersThe Queensland Skills Plan, released in March 2006, is delivering the most comprehensive reforms to Queensland’s vocational education and training system in over 40 years.
The Plan outlines a framework to better match the supply of skilled labour to industry needs. Through the Plan the Government will invest $801 million to build skills over the next four years and in excess of $300 million on infrastructure over six years.
The Skills Plan provides for:
the implementation of a major capital works investment program to modernise the State’s network of TAFE institutes.
Education exports - creating international networksQueensland Education and Training International (QETI) was established by the Queensland Government to provide coordination and leadership to the education exports industry.
QETI’s original goal was achieved ahead of expectations as the annual value of international education and training to the Queensland economy passed $1 billion in 2005. In that year, roughly 55 000 students were enrolled in over 300 Queensland institutions from well over 100 countries. Overseas students make a significant social, cultural and economic contribution to Queensland.
The global education and training market continues to evolve and competition for international students is intensifying. Recognising QETI’s important role in ensuring that the international education and training industry continues to respond strategically to a changing world market, the Queensland Government has committed additional funding of $2 million per year for five years to extend QETI’s role up to 2010-11. An important focus for QETI over this next period is to develop education markets which can help to address critical skills shortages shared by Queensland and other global regions.
Last reviewed 19 June 2007