Page 445 - Week 02 - Tuesday, 4 March 2008
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We know that the demographics of our city are changing. The most recent figures from the ABS show a significant decline in the school-age population. In the decade between 1996 and 2006, the number of primary school age children in the ACT decreased by eight per cent. The population of high school or college age students decreased by five per cent in that 10-year period. Yet in other areas of the city, such as Gungahlin, we are experiencing significant growth. So whilst there are significant declines in the student population in north Tuggeranong, in parts of Woden and Weston Creek and parts of Belconnen, there is a massive increase in demand for education facilities in Gungahlin. That is why the government is investing in new public schools in Gungahlin, such as the new school at Harrison which opened this year, and the new Gungahlin college for 2010.
The government consulted with the community throughout 2006 and did take some difficult decisions to ensure that our education system serves the entire community well into the future, and so that all Canberrans have access to quality education. These difficult decisions have allowed us to invest in our education system. More than $350 million has been invested in improving our schools and building new schools where there is a clear demand for new schools. Every public school in the ACT is being upgraded. A significant amount of work has already occurred. In 2006-07, there were 226 projects across 73 schools—improvements to classrooms, improvements to science labs, art rooms, a range of administration area upgrades, teacher staffroom upgrades, and new facilities for schools.
I have mentioned the new school at Harrison. I refer also to the new school in west Belconnen, the new school in Gungahlin and the new P-10 in Tuggeranong for 2011. These investments—planning for the future, meeting demographic changes in our city—are important measures to ensure the quality of education into the future. These reforms have also led to a focus on and investment in early childhood education—again, planning for the future. There is a very clear commitment from the government that all children deserve the best possible start in life. There is increasing recognition around the world that development in education in the early years is essential to learning and development in later life. More and more, this research is highlighting the importance of early childhood education. Research on the value of early childhood education programs, particularly for children who are disadvantaged, is undisputed and is well substantiated. Quality education in the early years is an essential part of the planning for our city.
This year, all preschools have been amalgamated with a primary school in order to streamline pathways for students. Our new curriculum framework has a strong focus on teaching and learning in the early years. The government is investing in four new early childhood schools which will cater for students from preschool to year 2. They will be located in Narrabundah, Lyons and Isabella Plains. In the north of the city, there will be Southern Cross, as well as the O’Connor cooperative school in the inner north. The government is investing significantly in these new schools, which will commence in 2009, and will focus on early childhood education, early intervention and providing a solid foundation for learning into the future.
Another key area of investment in the future is investment in information and communication technology. The government has invested $20 million in this field to
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