More funding to boost vocational education courses at Kununurra District High School

31/10/97

Extra staff to give more subject choices in years 11 and 12, and more funding to boost vocational education courses at Kununurra District High School, are the first steps towards improved education opportunities in the Kimberley.

Following his visit earlier this week to Kununurra where he spoke with staff and parents from Kununurra District High School, Education Minister Colin Barnett said an extra two full-time teachers, and another teacher to work two and a half days a week, would begin at the school next year.

In addition to funding already committed to the region, an extra $16,000 would be provided to increase vocational education options for high school students.

Mr Barnett said he was delighted that the school community had been receptive to the initiatives discussed earlier this week.

"While the school will decide how it will use its additional resources next year, the extra teachers have the potential to triple the number of subjects available to upper school students, from four to 12, next year," he said.

"There is also an opportunity for increased local tutor support for students who study through the School of Isolated and Distance Education, more teacher support for all primary and lower secondary students and greater planning of education in the post-compulsory years."

Mr Barnett said the region would benefit from increased vocational education programs at the school. As a result, students would have increased access to local employment opportunities and the school would be able to forge closer links with TAFE, other registered training providers and the Frank Wise Institute for Agricultural Research.

"Stage two of the Ord River Scheme will provide a significant boost to the region and education in the area needs to be ready for this expansion," Mr Barnett said.

"There will also be more employment and training opportunities for students and vocational education programs, involving local industries, will be vitally important."

Mr Barnett said he had also given in-principle support to an idea from the school community for permanent building and facilities to be established for year 11 and 12 students and staff. This would be considered under the Local Area Education Planning process which was due to be completed early next year.

"Permanent buildings for the upper school would provide solid, formal recognition of year 11 and 12 education at the school. I fully support the idea in principle, and while the details still need to be worked out under the Local Area Education Planning process, it is possible the buildings could be under construction, if not complete, in 1999," he said.

"The idea has a lot of merit. This is the school community's opportunity to create a school environment which is unique to the Kimberley and its growing agriculture base. I envisage facilities that will be modern and capitalise on the region and the potential it has to offer its students."

Mr Barnett said he looked forward to seeing the development of the school over the next 12 months. He also encouraged everyone with an interest in the future of education in the region to participate in the Local Area Education Planning process.

Media contact: Justine Whittome (08) 9222 9699