23/10/03
A diverse range of entries from Western Australian schools, including cushions for wheelchairs and a buttoner tool for those who cannot manage buttons, have been recognised for excellence in the annual Value Adding Quest.
At last night's award presentations, Education and Training Minister Alan Carpenter said the quest gave students the opportunity to identify or address an issue or problem in the community and develop an idea to meet the need by adding value to a primary product.
"These awards are part of the Gallop Government's commitment to maximising the educational outcomes for WA students," Mr Carpenter said.
"The quest enhances the students' learning environment and encourages them to apply a range of skills to the task, including communication, language, numeracy and information."
The awards are open to all primary and secondary Government and non-Government schools across the State, with more than 1,000 students participating in the 2003 awards.
"This learning prepares students for life in an age where people have access to vast amounts of information, and the requirement to turn that information into knowledge and creative ideas," Mr Carpenter said.
"It is exciting to see that of the 26 awards presented this year, 19 have gone to Government primary and secondary schools.
"The success fits in well with this week's Education Week theme of 'Government Schools are Great Schools'.
"Education Week is all about Government schools taking themselves out into the community and demonstrating the excellent work taking place behind the school gates."
Mr Carpenter said the quest provided an excellent opportunity for students to develop innovative business ideas and test different concepts.
"Students can assess the impact their ideas and products may have on the community and the environment, so it encourages a greater understanding of how a local community works," he said.
"The quest also encourages problem-solving and helps students to become more innovative, creative and enterprising.
"A great example is the Year 7 runner-up from Mount Hawthorn Primary School, who identified the need for a buttoner to help her grandmother do and undo her buttons.
"I congratulate the teachers and students for the time and effort they spend in the planning required to produce these quality entries."
The Value Adding Quest is organised by teachers' professional associations involved in the Technology and Enterprise Learning Area.
It is supported by the Department of Education and Training and sponsored by the Office of Science and Innovation.
The quest awards are divided into five categories: Years K-3; Years 4-6; Years 7&8; Years 9&10; and Years 11&12.
Judging is done by a team of primary and secondary educators, who are members of the contributing professional associations.
Minister's office: 9213 6800
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