Gnowangerup Agricultural School proving to be an outstanding success

9/12/97

Premier Richard Court today acknowledged the outstanding success of the Gnowangerup Agricultural School in providing a very practical approach to learning.

Visiting the school today, Mr Court said the practical skills gained by students and the positive work ethic of those who attended the school had assisted a great number of graduates in finding long-term employment once they had left the school.

Gnowangerup Agricultural School, which first opened as an Aboriginal youth farm in the 1950s, is open to youth who meet a special selection criteria and currently has 40 students aged between 14 and 18 years.

The school teaches basic literacy and numeracy through a variety of practical skills from welding, mechanics, stock and crop practices. The emphasis at the school is on the practical rather than theoretical studies.

Each student graduates with a Skills Training Certificate issued by the school on the satisfactory completion of a two-year course.

Mr Court said the agricultural school provided a real alternative for students experiencing difficulties with the traditional style of education.

"The success of the facility has been further enhanced by the enthusiasm of the principal and staff who all inject a great deal of time and effort into their work," he said.

The Premier said the Government was pleased to provide funding for upgrading work at Muir Hill - an adjoining site purchased by the school in 1989 to increase the school's land holdings and provide additional buildings to accommodate students.

"The development of Muir Hill as an 'independent living skills' site has extended the learning experience for students by providing them with additional life skills such as cooking, cleaning and budgeting," he said.

"Students can live independently while maintaining direct links with the main school site."

Mr Court said the support of the local community, shire council and the Farm Advisory Committee had also contributed to the success of the school.

Media contact: Casey Cahill 9222 9475