Shenton College in Perth's western suburbs and the Pilbara's Newman Senior High School have announced a sister schooling partnership aimed at improving opportunities for students at both schools.
Visiting Shenton College today to announce the program, Premier Colin Barnett said it was part of the multi-million dollar Pilbara Education Partnership between BHP Billiton Iron Ore and the Department of Education and Training.
"One of the aims of the program is to retain Newman Senior High School's best and brightest students by providing education opportunities equal to those available in the metropolitan area," Mr Barnett said.
"It is also hoped that by increasing Shenton College students' understanding of the unique career and lifestyle opportunities in the Pilbara, more young people will seek employment in the region.
"The Government of Western Australia has worked side-by-side with BHP Billiton Iron Ore for a number of years, with a focus on long-term sustainable development in the Pilbara.
"This builds on the many successful partnerships between the State Government through which we are helping to strengthen North-West communities and ensure that residents have access to quality services despite the tyranny of distance."
The Premier said the program would use video conference technology and shared curriculum programs to enable students and staff from both schools to work together.
In addition, a targeted TEE revision program would help give senior students the best possible preparation in their all-important final year of secondary education.
Mr Barnett acknowledged the high academic performance of Shenton College in 2008, a year in which it ranked eighth on the TEE schools table and had three students who received general exhibitions, three with subject exhibitions and 15 students with a TER of 99 or above.
BHP Billiton Iron Ore president Ian Ashby said the sister schooling program would build on an existing similar relationship between Hedland Senior High School and Mount Lawley Senior High School.
"BHP Billiton Iron Ore is dedicated to developing more than just resources," Mr Ashby said.
"In partnership with governments, grass roots community groups and specialist institutions, we are helping to develop careers, innovative ideas, tomorrow's leaders and, we hope, a positive legacy for WA."
Premier's office - 9222 9475
