Students and teachers back to school for Semester Two

Queensland’s 480,000 state school students are heading back to school today for Semester Two, following a two-week break for the winter holidays.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said state school teachers had returned to work yesterday, using the student-free day to participate in professional development activities.

“I believe the knowledge and skills of teachers and school leaders has a major influence on the learning outcomes of students,” Mr Welford said.

“Our state school teachers are able to boost their practical knowledge and skills by taking part in professional development sessions at the beginning of each school term, as well as in-service training throughout the year.

“These up-skilling opportunities allow teachers to keep abreast of developments in education, in their various discipline and subject areas and state and national initiatives and policies.”

Mr Welford said in the second half of 2008 Queensland state schools would continue to focus on physical activity.

“The start of Term Three marks the formal implementation phase of the Smart Moves Physical Activity Program in state schools,” he said.

“This means primary school students must now be participating in half-an-hour of daily physical activity, while high school students participate in a minimum of two hours each week.

“Smart Moves and the Year of Physical Activity aim to highlight the links between regular physical activity, better health and improved academic achievement for students, and to further engage educators in the process of including physical activity across the curriculum.”

Mr Welford said Term Three was also a very important time for Year 12 students, as they prepare for the Queensland Core Skills (QCS) test.

“This year Queensland senior students will be sitting the QCS test on 2-3 September,” he said.

“The two-day test is an opportunity for all Year 12s, whether they are OP-eligible or not, to demonstrate the range of their achievements in the common curriculum elements that underscore the senior phase of learning.

“Most schools will be doing practice tests in the coming weeks to prepare their students for what to expect in the exams and I want to extend my support and wish everyone good luck.”

Media contact: Emma Clarey on 3237 1000 or 0417 791 336