Compulsory English on the books for all senior students

Published Tuesday, 26 April, 2016 at 07:01 PM

JOINT STATEMENT

Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Minister for Education and Minister for Tourism and Major Events
The Honourable Kate Jones

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk today announced the Queensland Government was considering making English compulsory for all Year 11 and 12 students.

The Premier said a ministerial taskforce would next week consider the change in the context of broader reforms to senior assessment and tertiary entrance.

"We want to ensure that our senior students are getting the best preparation for employment, further education and training,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“My Advance Queensland agenda includes a heavy focus on improving education, and already we have announced plans to make Prep compulsory.

“Now we’re taking another step forward for our senior students.

"I’m sure that educators would overwhelmingly want to see all senior students complete an English subject.”

Education Minister Kate Jones said Queensland schools currently offer English, English Communication, Extension English and English for ESL Learners.

“Effective communication is an essential skill for success in work, study and life generally,” Ms Jones said.

"In the digital age, good quality communication and literacy skills are more important than ever.

“Studying literature, media and language promotes creative thinking, imagination, critical awareness and the ability to communicate effectively in different situations.

Ms Jones said in preparation for the new senior assessment and tertiary entrance system, the taskforce had already announced a new model of external and school-based assessment, and a shift to the Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR).

Ms Jones said if endorsed by the ministerial taskforce, studying an English subject would be compulsory for Year 11 students from 2018.

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