The Hodgman Government has made education a priority since coming to government.
Today’s unveiling of the $3.23 million major refurbishment at New Town High School is part of a $110 million investment we are making in State School infrastructure.
The new literacy hub along with the redevelopment of the main student entrance, administration area, and archive facilities mean all students can make use of a modern learning environment which supports 21st century learning.
Our long term plan for education includes extending high schools to year 12 so more students complete year 12 and have the skills they need to get a job or continue their education.
We are already seeing positive results, with a 57% increase in enrolments in the 12 schools that have extended since 2014. There has also been an impressive rise in the apparent retention rate in Years 10 to 12 from 70.1% in 2014 to 73.8% in 2015.
We have a goal to lead the nation in education and the 2016 NAPLAN results prove we are making progress in language and literacy for our younger students.
This success is underpinned by the creation of 25 extra literacy and numeracy specialists.
We have also reintroduced school nurses, with funding of $5.8 million for the School Health Nurse Program to support schools, families and communities to help foster healthy choices. A total of 20 FTE nurses in 2017 recently announced doubles the original 10 FTE nurse numbers who started work in Term 3, 2015.
Research indicates that early access to education is critically important for the future prosperity of our young people and the prosperity of our state. That is why we have introduced legislation for a new Education Act which will enable children to access quality play based early learning six months earlier.
We want every Tasmanian student to reach their full potential, to have a better life and have the ability to seize every opportunity for a brighter future, and we are on the right track.
There is however always more work to be done which is why we are staying the course on our long term reforms and investing a record $1.48 billion into education and training over the next four years.
With the Budget back on track the Hodgman Government is able to sustainably invest in essential services such as education, building economic growth and creating jobs for the benefit of future generations.
More Media Releases from Jeremy Rockliff
More Media Releases from the Minister for Education and Training