Advanced technology school to be set up in Perth

Western Australia's school students and teachers are set to enter the 21st century with a new, advanced technology school to be established in Perth.

Education Minister Kay Hallahan today unveiled plans for the high-technology school which would be built at Bentley's Technology Park in 1993.

Mrs Hallahan said the $3 million Technology School of the Future - scheduled to open in August next year - would be fitted with the latest equipment so that students and teachers were up to date with technological advances in industry.

There would be no permanent school population as secondary teachers and students from Government and non-Government schools across the State would take part in courses for up to a week at a time.

The Minister called for expressions of interest from the private sector to enter into a joint venture with the Government to establish the school.

"The private sector has a lot to gain from participation in such a project because they will reap the productivity benefits from a highly skilled workforce," she said.

"The Technology School of the Future not only introduces teachers and students to advanced technology but also teaches them how to adapt to the technological change they will experience in their lifetime."

Mrs Hallahan said the school would be located at Technology Park so that it was accessible to technology industries and the university sector.

"It is envisaged that the school will be a centre where teachers and students can learn about technology but also interact with industry personnel and academics involved in technology," she said.

Mrs Hallahan said the Technology School of the Future was a recommendation of a report by the WA Technology and Industry Advisory Council, comprised of educators and industry leaders and chaired by former Deputy Premier Mal Bryce.

The Minister said the Government had already been approached by a consortium interested in building the school, but alternative proposals were being sought before a final decision would be made.

A board of management would be appointed shortly to guide the development of the school. Advertisements had already been placed nationally for a director to head the school.

Mrs Hallahan unveiled architect's drawings of the concept to academics, educators, industry and union leaders at Technology Park this morning.

Mr Kevin Richardson, Director of South Australia's School of the Future - the only one in Australia - gave the keynote address.