SCHOOLS SHOWCASE SUCCESS

Queensland’s most successful state school programs are vying for the state’s top educational accolades, after reaching the finals of the Showcase Awards for Excellence in Schools 2007.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said 26 entries had been chosen from more than 100 submissions in the annual awards program.

“Our state schools do so much more than just teach the three Rs, and the Showcase Awards recognise the great work being done to enrich school communities and make a positive difference to the lives of young people,” Mr Welford said.

“There have been many innovative and exciting entries across the eight categories that cover the three phases of learning, inclusive education, leadership, innovation, academic excellence and partnerships with the community or industry.

“The work of these finalists is already improving results and outcomes in their schools, and it is tremendous that we can honour them for their efforts.”

Mr Welford said each finalist received $5000 in development grants.

“The state winners of each category will be announced at the Showcase Gala Dinner in Brisbane in October, with each winner receiving an extra $20,000,” he said.

“All across Queensland, we are seeing excellent programs that allow students, teachers and parents to join forces and ensure students reach their full potential.”

The awards, which started eight years ago to recognise outstanding educational initiatives, are judged by the Showcase Board, which includes educational experts, media and industry representatives.

The awards are supported by Network Ten, The Commonwealth Bank of Australia, RACQ, Media Monitors, Queensland University of Technology and TechnologyOne.

A full list of award recipients follows. For more information, visit www.education.qld.gov.au/community/events/showcase.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000

2007 SHOWCASE AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN SCHOOLS — STATE FINALISTS

The Network Ten Showcase Award for Excellence in the Early Phase of Learning:
Kuranda District State College, Families as First Teachers
Mount Isa District Schools, Early Intervention and Collaboration is the Key
Thornlands State School, Catch the Reading Bug

The Commonwealth Bank of Australia Showcase Award for Excellence in the Middle Phase of Learning:
Mansfield State High School, Open for Business
Northern Beaches State High School (Townsville), RAPS – An Innovative Middle Schooling Reform
Wynnum North State High School, Reforming the Middle Phase – A Secondary Perspective

The RACQ Showcase Award for Excellence in the Senior Phase of Learning:
Dysart State High School, Skilling Students for Success
Sarina State High School, 3/5^th Your Freedom, Your Choice – A Community of Change
Sunnybank State High School, Diversifying the Future

The Media Monitors Showcase Award for Excellence in Inclusive Education:
Gladstone South State School, Come Read with Me
Junction Park State School, Many Cultures Make Life Work – Living Together, Growing Together
Spinifex State College, The Assessment Centre: Inspiring Students to Succeed

The Queensland University of Technology Showcase Award for Excellence in Leadership:
Coomera State School, Dream a Better World
Dysart State High School, Dysart Community Pathways Programs
Marshall Road State School, Prospective Practical Probers
Primary Arts Network Ipswich Cluster, 1 + 1 Together to 3 + 6 and Beyond

The TechnologyOne Showcase Award for Excellence in Innovation:
Aviation High, Innovation at Aviation High
Clover Hill State School (Mudgeeraba), Innovative Inquirers: An Innovative Approach to Design and Technology
Ferny Grove State High School, Notes for the Future
Mirani Cluster, E=MC²

The Showcase Award for Academic Excellence:
Malanda State High School, Malanda State High School – A Place to Excel
Pittsworth State High School, Hot Pathways to Cool Careers
Thornlands State School, Igniting Writing with Sparks

The Showcase Award for Excellence in Community or Industry Partnerships:
Marsden State High School, Success Through Industry
Oakey State High School, Transport and Logistics Gateway Project Schools
Sunnybank State High School and Sunnybank State School, SunnyStarters – Early Starters Program