Page 3117 - Week 10 - Wednesday, 24 August 2005
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Instead of learning to read and write, do mathematics and science, or study languages, history or geography, students are being asked to engage in essential learning achievements. These include such triumphs as: students make considered decisions; the student understands change; the student understands Australia and Australians; and the student interprets and constructs multi-model texts. If anyone is puzzled by what that means it is further elaborated as follows:
The student interprets and constructs communications using any combination of sound, print, gesture, still images, moving images, symbols and graphics.
In the last 19 seconds of my speech I could resort to French mime, but I will not do so. The opposition opposes the government’s proposal as it has failed to consult with the community. It has also failed to take into consideration the best educational outcomes for students in west Belconnen.
MR SPEAKER: Order! The member’s time has expired.
MS GALLAGHER (Molonglo—Minister for Education and Training, Minister for Children, Youth and Family Support, Minister for Women and Minister for Industrial Relations) (10.51): I thank Mrs Dunne for bringing this matter to the attention of the Assembly for discussion today. Mrs Dunne’s motion fails to mention that the government’s proposal for west Belconnen includes a new school—a new $43 million state-of-the-art school for west Belconnen. What Mrs Dunne refers to as the ridiculous imposition of a $43 million investment in the community signifies the biggest single capital investment in education the territory has seen.
While we continue to consult on this proposal the government believes it has the potential to lead to significant benefits for west Belconnen. A $43 million investment in the community can only reap benefits. The proposed new school would offer modern facilities, latest technology, specialist teaching spaces and a rich curriculum. While the existing Ginninderra district high school has served the community well, the proposal put forward by the government represents a significant investment in the future of west Belconnen. A strong public education system requires investment.
Unlike the opposition the Stanhope government does not believe in closing schools and leaving the community to suffer without additional infrastructure. This proposal will deliver the best educational facilities and a brighter future to children living in the west Belconnen community. Quite simply, ACT government schools are the best in Australia. Our results speak for themselves, whether in literacy and numeracy benchmarks or international results in science and mathematics. But leading the country takes real investment, strong commitment and constant innovation. Our students deserve the best opportunities, the broadest choices and the best facilities. That is what this proposed development will deliver to the people of west Belconnen.
The government’s proposal incorporates a middle schooling model. The purpose-built middle school will cater for students in years 6 to 8 and will assist them in making the transition from primary to high school. This model has already been successful in the ACT in its award-winning Amaroo school, Gold Creek school and Telopea Park school. Moving from primary school to high school can be a time of mixed emotions and
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