Minister opens Pimpama State Secondary College

Minister for Education, Training and Employment John-Paul Langbroek officially opened the new $30 million state high school at Pimpama today, one of two new schools the Newman Government would be opening this year.

Mr Langbroek said the first stage of the Pimpama State Secondary College opened its doors at the start of the 2013 school year with almost 300 students.

“Pimpama is a rapidly expanding area between Brisbane and the Gold Coast and I’m thrilled to open this world class facility to serve local families,” Mr Langbroek said.

“The college currently caters for Years 7 and 8 after being selected as one of 20 Queensland state

schools to pilot the move of Year 7 into secondary school, ahead of the statewide shift in 2015.”

Mr Langbroek said students at Pimpama would benefit from extra support offered by the introduction of Junior Secondary, a phase of learning which caters to the specific needs of students in the early years of high school.

He said stage two of the school development was expected to be completed by 2015.

“Currently, Pimpama State Secondary College can accommodate up to 480 students with facilities including a robotics laboratory, science laboratories, design studios, workshops, a common learning area and two business enterprise learning areas,” he said.

“Integrating technology and innovative, entrepreneurial thinking into the curriculum is central to the college’s teaching philosophy.

“The Newman Government is committed to ensuring that students have a quality education experience and I have no doubt that Pimpama State Secondary College will help deliver on this promise.”

Mr Langbroek said Mackay Northern Beaches State High School would be officially opened later this year as part of the Newman Government’s Six Month Action Plan.

“This is going to be a very big year for education in Queensland,” he said.

“Families have a lot to look forward to as the Newman Government works hard to ensure Queensland remains a great state with great schools well into the future.”

[ENDS] 27 March, 2013

Media contact: Danita Goodwin 0439 886 652