Queensland's leading state schools named in Showcase Awards

Queensland’s most outstanding state school programs have won the State Government’s highest educational accolade — the Showcase Awards for Excellence in Schools.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said the eight winners each won $20,000 at a gala ceremony at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre tonight.

“These awards shine the spotlight on the great work that is enriching the lives of children and communities in classrooms across the state,” Mr Welford said.

“This year’s range of entries was of an extremely high standard across eight diverse categories, covering the different stages of learning, academic excellence, inclusive and innovative practices, and partnerships with industry and the community.”

Mr Welford said the awards program recognised schools throughout the year, with 24 finalists winning $5000, after being chosen from 79 regional winners that each received $1000 development grants.

“From Prep to Year 12, there are so many great initiatives across the state, and these awards are our chance to recognise and celebrate these achievements,” he said.

“The Showcase program is in its ninth year, and again they have shown how our talented teachers and school communities are ensuring young Queenslanders are getting the best possible start to their lives.”

The awards were judged by the Showcase Board, which includes educational experts, media and industry representatives, and supported by Network Ten, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, RACQ, Queensland University of Technology, TechnologyOne and RemServ.

Visit www.education.qld.gov.au/community/events/showcase for more information on the Showcase Awards for Excellence in Schools.

A full list of winners and finalists follows.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz on 3237 1000 or 0419 734 985

2008 SHOWCASE AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN SCHOOLS STATE WINNERS AND FINALISTS

The Network Ten Showcase Award for Excellence in the Early Phase of Learning

Winner - Thornlands State School - Catch the Reading Bug
Finalists
·All Mount Isa District Schools - Early Intervention is the Key!
·Pacific Pines State School - Making a Difference in the Early Years at Pacific Pines

The Commonwealth Bank of Australia Showcase Award for Excellence in the Middle Phase of Learning

Winner - Sandgate District State High School - Dirty Mathematics
Finalists
·Virginia State School - Virginia Virtuosos - Middle School Music Miracles
·Wonga Beach State School - Small Steps to a Brighter Future (Our Lily Pad Lagoon Project)

The RACQ Showcase Award for Excellence in the Senior Phase of Learning
Winner - Aspley Special School - Cans to Coffee - School-based Skills Training for Students with Disabilities
Finalists
·Centenary Heights State High School - Toowoomba Flexi School - Flexible Curriculum Delivery Making a Difference
·Mount Gravatt State High School - Out of the Classroom into the Environment

The Showcase Award for Excellence in Inclusive Education
Winner - Harlaxton State School (Darling Downs) - The Whole Child Turns Four
Finalists -
·Goodna Special School - Learning to Work, Working to Learn
·Norville State School (Wide Bay) - Inclusion: A Journey not a Destination

The Queensland University of Technology Showcase Award for Excellence in Leadership
Winner - Redbank Plains State High School - Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Students
Finalists
·The ENABLE Coalition: Beenleigh State High School, Beaudesert State High School, Flagstone State Community College, Kingston College, Loganlea State High School, Mabel Park State High School, Marsden State High School, Shailer Park State High School, Windaroo Valley State High School and Woodridge State High School - ENABLE: Enabling Excellence Across the Logan-Albert and Beaudesert District
·Wellington Point State High School - Forward Thinking - Future Outcomes

The RemServ Showcase Award for Excellence in Innovation
Winner - Maroochydore State High School - The Biotechnology Revolution
Finalists
·Pozieres State School - The POZitives Program
·Wondai State School - Future Earth - A Holistic Approach to Sustainability Based on the Earth Charter

The Showcase Award for Academic Excellence
Winner - Miles State High School - Travel the Crossroads to Success at Miles State High School
Finalists
·Home Hill State High School - Academic Achievement in a Small Rural School
·Thornlands State School - Igniting Writing with SPARKS

The TechnologyOne Showcase Award for Excellence in Community or Industry Partnerships
Winner - Dysart State High School - Creating Tomorrow's Mining Workforce Today
Finalists
·Central Highlands VET Network: Blackwater State High School, Capella State High School, Capricorn School of Distance Education, Clermont State High School, Dysart State High School, Glenden State High School, Emerald State High School, Marist College, Middlemount Community School, Moranbah State High School and Springsure State School - Central Queensland - Leading the VET Agenda
·Kelvin Grove State College - Living City