Page 2083 - Week 06 - Wednesday, 6 June 2018
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The government will invest in teacher capability in literacy and numeracy and will build strong relationships with the University of Canberra, which is where many of the ACT’s teacher graduates come from. The university partnership will provide teachers with the chance for professional learning through research collaboration.
MS ORR: Where is the government investing to expand existing public schools?
MS BERRY: The ACT government is investing in areas of growth. Last year’s census confirmed that Gungahlin is the second fastest growing region in Australia. The ACT government will expand schools in the area so that all Canberra students can access quality education close to home. Another 500 students will be welcomed across Amaroo, Neville Bonner school and the Gold Creek junior campus, with the Franklin Early Childhood School receiving transportable buildings to immediately expand the school to accommodate current year 2 students in a new 2019 year 3 class and beyond. The government will also fund planning and consultation on a permanent expansion to a full preschool to year 6 school.
Parents have been very happy to learn that their children will be able to continue learning in the school environment that best suits them and the community that supports their needs.
The ACT government is committing $31.1 million for teachers and support staff who will continue to deliver education to more than 1,300 additional students as Canberra grows. The government will continue to deliver excellent teaching and support staff, with an additional 66 in local public schools, and will lock in support for students with a disability, boosting the delivery of quality education for Canberra’s children and young people.
MS CODY: Minister, where is the government investing to upgrade existing public schools?
MS BERRY: I thank Ms Cody for the supplementary question. The 2018 budget will deliver $18.8 million to replace buildings at Campbell Primary School with new modern learning facilities and upgrade ageing infrastructure. The new buildings have been designed for contemporary learning and teaching, disability access and environmental sustainability.
The ACT government will also provide funding to scope and plan for the modernisation of Narrabundah College. Calwell High School and Telopea Park School will benefit from roof replacements under this budget, along with several of Canberra’s other older schools.
On top of the $85 million commitment in the last budget, the ACT government is continuing the work of the public school infrastructure upgrade program, which last year included upgrades like a natural play area at Macgregor Primary School, an appropriate cultural space at Narrabundah Early Childhood School, increased access for students with disability at Alfred Deakin High School, as well as tree planting programs and flagpoles for schools all across the ACT.
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