We want to ensure Tasmanians have every opportunity to get better qualifications and in turn have the best chance at getting a job and living a fulfilling life.
We are doing just that by extending our rural and regional high schools to Years 11 and 12, giving more young Tasmanians the chance to reach their full potential.
Already, 13 high schools have taken up the opportunity to extend to Years 11 and 12.
The early results at the first six extension schools are very positive, with enrolments in Years 11 and 12 increasing by an average 38 per cent. A further seven schools will extend as part of Round 2.
Today, I am pleased to announce that I have written to all high schools inviting expressions of interest in extending to Years 11 and 12 from 2017 onwards.
Importantly, this includes working with individual school communities to find innovative ways to encourage their local students to stay in school longer.
As a Government, we are excited by the enthusiasm from Tasmanian schools, which follows our policy position that the consultation process will identify preferred provision models.
We understand that this is not a case of ‘one size fits all’ and we are committed to working with school communities to find the best solution for them.
This includes options like introducing Year 11 and 12 curriculum in the last part of Term 4 in association with a college or Year 11/12 school. This will encourage collaborative teaching with Year 10, 11 and 12 teachers.
Another model being explored is a Year 7 to 12 College School Coalition model, where a college and associated feeder schools would work together to build a culture of school completion to the end of year 12.
The letter being sent to schools today will encourage these types of models to be brought forward for consideration for delivery from 2017 onwards.
This is the next exciting stage of our long-term plan to improve educational attainment and completion in this state.
It also sends a clear message to schools and students that were are committed to working with them in a collaborative way to achieve the very best outcome for Tasmanians.
Expressions of interest close on November 20, with the schools to begin in 2017 to be announced by the end of the year.
More Media Releases from Jeremy Rockliff
More Media Releases from the Minister for Education and Training