Ministers' open unique learning and training centre in Mandurah

17/10/01
The number of students at Western Australia's first joint high school, TAFE and university campus had already exceeded expectations, the State Education and Training Ministers said today.
Speaking at the official opening of the $24.6 million Peel Education and TAFE Campus, Education Minister Alan Carpenter and Training Minister John Kobelke said the campus shows what can be done when the Department of Education, Department of Training and Murdoch University work together.
Mr Carpenter said Mandurah Senior College, the site's secondary school, already had the biggest population of Year 11 and 12 students of any school in the State.
"The senior college is even attracting students from private schools and areas outside Mandurah," he said.
"The wide range of courses offered, the mature learning environment, longer open hours and the stunning campus have captured the imagination of students and contributed to astounding improvements in the retention rate.
"Historically the two senior high schools Mandurah Senior College has replaced would have about 700 Year 11 and 12 students between them.
"The new school is expecting about 1,000 next year with a 20 per cent increase in the number of Year 12 students."
The joint campus, which opened in February, involved additions to the TAFE facilities, the creation of a new wing for Year 11 and 12 students and building a shared administration centre, library, performing arts centre, cafe and Design and Technology areas.

Considerable input from the local community, parents, local government, staff, students and curriculum specialists went into the planning process.
The Department of Education contributed $17 million to the project and the Department of Training $7.6 million.
Stage 2 of the project, to create additional space for at least an extra 200 senior college students, is expected to be completed by 2005.
Mr Kobelke said the recent Pathways for Learning initiative of the campus board, which offered students increased education, training and employment opportunities, could be a blueprint for changing the face of education in WA.
Pathways is being piloted in 2002 and progressively introduced over following years.
"The three partners have combined to develop specific study programs to maximise students' access to further education, training and employment," he said.
"Students could choose the UniLink pathway to go to university, GradLink pathway if they haven't decided between university and TAFE, or the TAFE Express for those doing further training.
"Under each of these streams, they will be able to choose study fields including Information Technology, Business, Engineering and Hospitality and Tourism - with a total of 10 fields to be eventually offered.
"Pathways for Learning allows secondary students to access TAFE and University units during their final year of high school, while Challenger TAFE students also benefit from further recognition of their studies from Murdoch University.
"Also, university students can access specific skills training from Challenger TAFE."
Mr Carpenter said the Pathways initiative created unparalleled opportunities for Mandurah Senior College students.
"As part of the UniLink pathway, Murdoch will next year offer 20 Mandurah Senior College students a foundation unit and introductory business units which will contribute three credit points to an undergraduate degree," he said.
"They can also use the course to contribute to their Tertiary Entrance Rank for entry to Murdoch. This program is a first for Western Australia and possibly the nation."
Mr Carpenter said the senior college students' approach to learning and the reduced incidence of disciplinary and behavioural issues show the students are responding very well to the different environment.
Media contacts:
Minister Carpenter's Office: Owen Cole - 9213 6806
Minister Kobelke's Office: Steve Manchee - 9222 9211