Investigation ordered into Gnowangerup Agricultural School

22/5/03
Education and Training Minister Alan Carpenter has ordered an independent investigation into Gnowangerup Agricultural School in the State's Great Southern.
Mr Carpenter made his decision after considering recent advice from the Department of Education and Training, and allegations of serious violence and bullying at the school.
He said Dr Terry de Jong, a director of the Middle Years Program at the School of Education at Edith Cowan University's Joondalup Campus, had agreed to conduct the investigation.
"A number of alleged incidents at the school have recently been brought to my attention," the Minister said.
"I am genuinely concerned about the welfare of students and staff.
"I need a clear picture of the current situation at the school.
"It would be a matter of great concern if the serious allegations made had not been adequately addressed."
Mr Carpenter said the investigation, anticipated to take six weeks, would examine various models for alienated students and the appropriateness of the school's programs to help those students, including the school's suitability as a facility for such students.
He said the school had been an option for many years for the management of students with serious behavioural issues, once all other schooling options had been exhausted.
The school currently has 27 students in its care, all male, aged between 14 and 16 and mostly in Years Eight and Nine.
"These kids are entitled to have the best possible education and training opportunities," the Minister said.
"They are at great educational risk and are in serious danger of opting out of any form of education.
"In the age of the knowledge economy, our young people can't afford to miss out on some form of education or training.
"Successful education and training is the foundation for young people to become socially and economically viable citizens for the future.
"Without it, there is a real chance we will lose these children within the welfare system, the judicial system and the health system."
Minister's office: 9213 6800