New senior campus planned for southern suburbs

The State Government's major shake up of upper secondary education continued today with the announcement of a new senior campus for Perth's southern suburbs.

Announcing the decision today, Education Minister Kay Hallahan said North Lake Senior High School would be transformed into a senior campus in time for the start of the 1993 school year.

The new campus would offer radical education alternatives to senior students in Years 11 and 12.  Junior school, from Years 8 to 10, would be phased out.

Mrs Hallahan said the formation of a new senior campus - Western Australia's second - was a vital step in tackling youth unemployment.

The scheme would strengthen links between the critical final years of schooling and the workplace.

"Many young people find traditional forms of schooling inappropriate to their needs and changing lifestyle - but it is important that they stay on to Year 12 to improve their chances of entering further education, training or the workforce," the Minister said.

"The new senior campus will offer a much wider range of courses, including courses which lead to TAFE, further training and employment, as well as TEE subjects.

"In addition, students will be able to study part-time at the senior campus so they can accommodate work commitments and gain employment experience to add to their credentials.

"We need to ensure that as many students as possible have the opportunity to complete their secondary education to Year 12. This means the education system needs to be more innovative, flexible and responsive to students' needs."

Mrs Hallahan said the North Lake Senior Campus and its eastern suburbs twin - Cyril Jackson Senior Campus - were aimed at 16 to 19-year-olds, while Tuart and Canning Colleges catered primarily for people beyond school age.

No Year 8 students would be accepted at North Lake next year but existing students would be able to complete their secondary education at the school.

"This arrangement will ensure there is a smooth transition to a Senior Campus with minimal disruption to secondary students at the school," Mrs Hallahan said.

A committee chaired by the District Superintendent of Education would oversee the development of the senior campus and make arrangements to accommodate graduating primary school students in nearby high schools.

The State School Teachers' Union would be invited to take part in the transition to the senior campus.

Mrs Hallahan said today's decision followed earlier initiatives including:

·         the establishment of a senior campus at Cyril Jackson Senior High School; and

·         the Premier's announcement of plans to revamp upper secondary schooling to provide more intensive career education and job preparation.