24 more FlexiSpaces in schools to better support students

• The second round of 24 FlexiSpaces has been announced.
• These 24 FlexiSpaces add to the additional 34 FlexiSpaces announced in May this year, bringing to a total of 110 FlexiSpaces since the initiative started in 2018.
• 7 new primary schools and 2 primary/secondary school clusters will receive a FlexiSpace.

The Miles Government is continuing the roll out of FlexiSpaces in Queensland State Schools to help keep young Queenslanders engaged in education.

Students remaining engaged in education is one of the most important factors in improved outcomes for young Queenslanders and this investment is part of the Government’s $288 million Youth Engagement Education Reform package that is aimed at supporting at-risk students to stay at school or access alternative learning pathways.

Today, Minister Farmer announced the latest round of 24 schools that have accepted the second round of new FlexiSpaces to be delivered as part of the package and is above our initial commitment as we have been able to extend this to eight of our Partnerships Initiative schools, recognising the unique challenges these schools have.

The announcement includes establishing FlexiSpaces in 7 primary school settings, including Blackwater State School, Pumicestone State School and Blair State School.

FlexiSpaces are a place in a school where students who are facing challenges in a normal schooling environment can continue to be supported to stay engaged at school while still being able to stay at school with their friends and to eventually get them back into their mainstream class.

They are part of the wider Education Reform Package which includes:

• • $120.9m to expand Queensland Pathways State College from
    6 to 12 campuses.
  • $56.9m for intensive education case management
  • $29.1m to expand First Nations Engagement Programs to support students to attend school, engage in learning and complete Year 12;
  • $27.3m for specialised alternative learning programs for young people aged 10 to 13 and 14 to 16 to be delivered by non-government organisations in Cairns, Townsville, Ipswich and Mount Isa; and
  • $8.6m to provide an additional 4 Court Liaison Officers and 16 Field Officers to support the educational engagement of young people attending Children's Courts.

We know that mainstream classrooms aren’t always the best places for all students.

This program is about giving kids and teachers the help and resources they need, in a way that is most suited to way they can learn.

FlexiSpaces are not only about supporting students, they are a recognition that those students can often be quite challenging for teachers and taking them out of the mainstream classroom allows teachers to cater to all students more effectively. 

Disengagement from school at age seven is the greatest predictor of youth offending later in life. As we know not all students who are disengaged from school are in the youth justice system, but every child in the youth justice system is disengaged from school.

These spaces are inclusive, high-quality built environments, with high-impact teaching and learning.

They are staffed with teachers who maintain academic standards, access to the Australian Curriculum, and high expectations while providing flexible and individualised support.

The 24 new FlexiSpaces will bring the total number of FlexiSpaces delivered since 2018 to 110.

Quotes attributable to the Minister:

“FlexiSpaces are such a great tool to help schools respond to students who are experiencing challenges in a mainstream educational environment.

“Early intervention is so critical, which is why we are trialling FlexiSpaces in primary schools for the first time.

“They allow the students to remain close to their school friends, maintain a regular school routine, continue to be a part of their school community and continue their schooling with an uninterrupted curriculum.

“The primary schools that opt to be in the program will receive support from the department to design and adapt their FlexiSpace to best suit primary-age children.

“I am especially looking forward to see how some of the primary school flexispaces are established as a co-designed program that meets the needs of at-risk primary school students transitioning to their local high school providing a real opportunity to set students on a path for success.”  

“The children will be able to maintain connection with the rest of the school, they will attend classes with their peers, whole-of-school activities and routines, while receiving the support they need to thrive.”

“It’s important to remember, not all students who are disengaged from school are in the youth justice system, but every child in the youth justice system is disengaged from school.

Explainer/fast fact and or further information:

The second round of FlexiSpaces will be located in the following 24 state schools:

Rockhampton State High School

Blackwater State School

Goondiwindi State High School

Roma State College

Miles State High School

Atherton State High School

Mareeba State School

Blair State School

Goodna State School

Ipswich State High School

Rosewood State High School

Caboolture State High School

Morayfield East State School

Morayfield State High Schools

Bribie Island State High School

Kepnock State High School

Pumiceston State School

Proserpine State High School (base site) in collaboration with Proserpine State School

Collinsville State High School (base site) in collaboration with Collinsville and Scottville State School

Kelso State School

Yarrabilba State Secondary College

Keebra Park State High School

Windaroo Valley State High School

Woodridge State High School

Media - Tim Auguston 0427 090 563

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