Summit opens for historic Education Accord

The future of schooling and the education pathway taken by Queensland children will be mapped out at an historic meeting in Brisbane, attended by hundreds of delegates from across the State.

Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek said the Education Accord Summit would have a major impact on Queensland, setting out a 30 year plan that would shape the State’s future.

“Queensland’s future leaders, thinkers, employers and innovators will be going through our education system over the next three decades and we must have a vision for them,” Mr Langbroek said.

“We’re developing this Education Accord to determine priorities for schools and students for the next 30 years – a long term plan for educational improvement.

“The key people involved in the system across all school sectors – state, independent and Catholic will help chart this course.

“The summit reinforces the message that we all have a part to play and that we share a common goal of a high-quality education system.”

Mr Langbroek said he looked forward to hearing what delegates thought Queensland’s schools would look like in the decades to 2044.

“Discussion topics include the major trends affecting school education, how to drive improvement in schools, and how all Queenslanders can contribute to that improvement,” he said.

Cairns School of Distance Education P&C President Rachael Wynberg said the Education Accord was an unprecedented opportunity for all participants in education – parents, tutors and teachers alike - to have input into the long-term plan for Education in Queensland.

“As a Home Tutor and parent home-schooling in North Queensland, I am passionate about delivering quality education that is focused on the amazing individuals whom we are responsible for guiding through life,” Ms Wynberg said.

“I believe this can be achieved with a holistic approach to learning that helps each child reach their full potential by focusing on their individual passions and nurturing these talents.”

Renowned speaker Dr Stefan Hajkowicz, who leads CSIRO Futures, will outline the global megatrends including digital technology development and the likely impact on the economy and education.

“Despite all our capabilities there are so many problems we can’t yet fully solve,” Dr Hajkowicz said.

“The answer that truly works is crystallising in the mind of a bright kid at school in grade four who is thinking about things in an entirely new way…  That’s why education matters.

“We want him or her to hold onto that new idea and, when they’re ready, amaze us all with a solution we didn’t even imagine possible.”

Other keynote speakers include Dr Ben Jensen, Chief Executive Officer of Learning First, Professor Peter Coaldrake, Vice-Chancellor, Queensland University of Technology and the Master of Ceremonies Mr John Daley, Chief Executive Officer of the Grattan Institute.

Premier Campbell Newman, Treasurer Tim Nicholls and Mr Langbroek will also address the summit.

The government began community consultation in May with an online survey open to all Queenslanders. 

More than 600 responses were received to seven key questions drawn from the Queensland Plan and Members of Parliament have consulted with their constituents and industry leaders have given their views.

More information about the Education Accord and the Queensland Plan can be found at http://deta.qld.gov.au/about/educationaccord

[ENDS] 25 September 2014

Media contact: Minister Langbroek – Amy Cobb 0418 996 503