2014 a year of education achievement

Published Friday, 12 December, 2014 at 06:30 AM

Minister for Education, Training and Employment
The Honourable John-Paul Langbroek

Queensland’s schools have gone from strength to strength this year under the Newman LNP Government’s strong plan for education.

Minister for Education, Training and Employment John-Paul Langbroek wished Queensland students and school staff a happy holiday as another year of achievement draws to a close.

“Students were stagnating under Labor, but there have been real gains in education under the Newman LNP Government,” Mr Langbroek said.

“We’re especially proud of the progress our schools have made this year to achieve better student outcomes.

“There is more work ahead though and improvements will continue under our strong plan.”

Mr Langbroek said one of the most significant achievements in 2014 was the historic development of Queensland’s first draft Education Accord, due to be released in 2015 after public consultation.

“The development of the Accord will be the largest consultative process of its kind ever undertaken in the state and will shape help shape a 30-year vision for school education in Queensland,” he said.

Photo attached.

“We have also made more strides in implementing the five year Great Teachers = Great Results plan, which is aimed at improving teaching quality, increasing school autonomy and providing more options regarding student discipline.”

Mr Langbroek said more than 500 high-performing teachers have received training as part of the Mentoring Beginning Teachers Program, with 64 teachers nominated as online mentors to support rural and remote teachers.

“We also created 300 master teacher positions to work with 463 schools throughout the state in 2015, either in individual schools or across clusters that have the most potential for improvement in student outcomes.”

Other milestones and achievements celebrated in 2014 include:

  • The launch of The Jack Pizzey Awards for Excellence in Educational Leadership in Queensland state schools
  • The announcement of another 50 schools to become Independent Public Schools from 2015, bringing the total to 130 operating across the state
  • The passing of the Education and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2014 to cut red tape, support local decision making and further strengthen safety for schools
  • The commissioned Review of Queensland senior assessment, reporting and Overall Position (OP) tertiary entrance process has been completed, with recommendations to be considered
  • The announcement of a new policy that promotes the use of school facilities by community groups, organisations and sporting teams, with a simple and smooth process
  • Successfully piloted the move of Year 7 into secondary schools
  • The tenth anniversary of Creative Generation – State Schools on Stage

Mr Langbroek said the government had also continued with its commitment to address the maintenance backlog, investing $100 million on fixing and revitalising schools in 2014.

“We also announced ten new schools to be built in a public private partnership in the high-growth areas of Caboolture, Pimpama, Burpengary, Pallara, Ripley Valley, Springfield, Griffin, Bellbird Park and Redbank Plains,” he said.

“Construction has started and stage one of the new secondary school at Burpengary and primary school at Pimpama will be open for the start of the 2015 school year.”

Mr Langbroek thanked students, teachers, staff and parents and carers for their commitment to education in 2014.

Queensland College of Teachers director John Ryan also congratulated teachers on their efforts both inside and outside the classroom.

“Teaching is complex and is changing all the time so teachers must be congratulated on the amount of professional development they are doing to remain contemporary and competent,” Mr Ryan said.

“We are seeing better student outcomes as a result of their great efforts.”

Mr Langbroek said 2015 would be an historic year as Year 7 students across the state are welcomed to secondary school for the first time.

“Schools and staff are ready and look forward to welcoming the Year 7s along with Year 8 students and all students who are returning to school in the New Year,” he said.

“I wish all Queensland students a healthy and happy holiday and trust they will return to school on 27 January 2015 refreshed and ready to hit the ground running for another year of learning.”

[ENDS] 12 December 2014                                     

Media contact: Danita Goodwin 0439 886 652