Page 1686 - Week 06 - Wednesday, 18 May 1994
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For example, the school review program provides some interesting statistics. Of all parents surveyed last year, approximately 90 per cent indicated that they were satisfied with the education their primary school children received. A similar level of satisfaction is expressed by parents of children attending high school and those attending secondary college.
As well as providing high quality in the day-to-day provision of schooling, there are literally dozens of exciting high-quality educational initiatives being carried out by enthusiastic teachers and students in the ACT. A splendid example of cooperation in education is the North Ainslie Science Show. This is a joint venture between the school, the Canberra Institute of Technology, local businesses, professional organisations and schools in the area, as well as the parent community and the local community. Each year a science theme is chosen and North Ainslie teachers are given professional development in the theory of the topic. All classes then carry out activities in their classrooms, and specific topics are developed to be included in the science show. A science kit of activities has also been developed as supplementary material for the show. This year over 2,500 children visited the show.
As Mr Wood indicated, the ACT is well ahead of the rest of the nation in learning languages other than English, or LOTE, as it is commonly known. LOTE is expanding in many schools. Primary and high schools in many cases are working as groups. An example of this was the recent Japanese evening held at Dickson College. Students from Ainslie Primary School, Campbell High School and Dickson College displayed their knowledge of Japanese language and culture to their school community.
As an indication of the comprehensiveness of the initiatives, I could mention, for example, the talented sportsperson program at Erindale College. This course caters for identified and acknowledged high achievers in sport who would like to combine their training with an academic program at the college. The emphasis is on maintaining a high level of commitment and achievement in both the academic and sport areas. I have had the pleasure of visiting that college and seeing that program and I can only endorse absolutely the work that has been undertaken in that way.
There has been discussion about literacy and numeracy. I refer members to the information literacy program at Arawang Primary School. A special feature of the Arawang program is the opportunity for all students from kindergarten to Year 6 to participate in a structured information literacy program to develop both literacy and research skills. The aim of this program is for all students to have the skills to be able to locate, select, organise, present and evaluate information effectively and efficiently. This information may come from a number of sources, including books, charts, computer programs, films and videos. The program extends across all areas of the curriculum. It provides opportunities for all students to extend their interests and abilities in the area of research. It encourages problem solving, critical thinking and cooperative learning, as well as extending literacy skills. These skills enable children to approach further education with more confidence and independence. The program is possible only with joint planning and implementation by the librarian and the class teacher.
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