NEW EDUCATION FOCUS FOR CENTRAL WEST

Students in central western Queensland will benefit from a new Rural and Remote Centre of Education Excellence.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said the centre would involve 14 local schools and provide a focus for innovative programs.

“Our Government is committed to improving educational and training opportunities for students, educators and schools in rural Queensland,” Mr Welford said.

“Schools to be included in the Central West Outback Advantage cluster are Bedourie, Birdsville, Cameron Downs, Evesham, Ilfracombe, Isisford, Jericho, Jundah, Muttaburra, Prairie, Stamford, Stonehenge, Windorah and Yaraka state schools.

“The Central West Centre will focus on peer coaching for teaching principals to be effective school leaders, with a particular focus on multi-age teaching practices for Prep to Year 7 and curriculum leadership.

“The Centre of Education Excellence in the Central West area is one of nine similar centres being established throughout Queensland.

“The aim of these centres is to provide a focus for local principals and teachers to share success stories and co-ordinate professional development.

“They will become a focal point for regional communities to identify needs and drive positive outcomes for students, teachers and schools.”

Mr Welford said the Government recognised there were barriers faced by schools in rural and remote areas of Queensland which required special strategies.

“More than half of all Queensland state schools are in rural and remote areas, with more than 121,000 students enrolled,” he said.

Mr Welford said the Centres of Excellence initiative was part of the Queensland Government’s Blueprint for the Bush, a 10-year plan to build a sustainable, livable and prosperous rural Queensland.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000