- Bundaberg named as one of two Educational Precinct trial locations
- The precincts will see schools work more closely together
- Palaszczuk Government investing $8 million over 5 years to design, trial and evaluate 10 educational precincts across the state
In a major boost to schools across Bundaberg, the city has been named alongside Mount Isa as home to one of two exciting Educational Precinct trials.
The innovative new Education Precinct model sees groups of schools work more closely together to deliver better outcomes for communities.
In Bundaberg, the initiative will connect a total of 15 schools, with 11 feeder primary schools, one special school and three high schools joining forces.
The schools will share staffing expertise, facilities, resources and ideas – to work together to increase youth engagement, ease the transition into junior secondary school and ensure young people have the skills they need for the jobs available in their local community.
The trial precincts will be established throughout the remainder of 2023, with schools not only working with each other, but with local industry and the broader community, to give young people the best start at life.
Part of the Department of Education's Equity and Excellence: realising the potential of every student strategy, the Bundaberg precinct is part of an $8 million, 5-year investment to trial and evaluate Education Precincts at 10 locations across Queensland.
This approach to learning will also support the involvement of the First Nations community in decision making, with community consultation, co-design and collaboration fundamental to the Education Precinct model.
Quotes attributable to Education Minister Grace Grace:
"Every young person in Queensland deserves a world class education and the chance to reach their full potential, regardless of where they live.
"Equity and Excellence is the Palaszczuk Government's plan to ensure every Queensland state school student has the best possible opportunity to succeed."
Quotes attributable to Member for Bundaberg Tom Smith:
"This exciting new trial is sure to have a positive impact on the Bundaberg community.
"The Palaszczuk Government is set to invest $750,000 in 2023-24 alone, which includes the temporary appointment of a principal and staff who will guide this precinct for the first 12 months.
"And we'll soon begin community consultation – so we can hear exactly what the community wants to see from this initiative.
"Educational Precincts are all about community, with schools working together with local industry to make sure our young people have the skills they need to enter the workforce.
"We are committed to looking at new ways we can bring communities and leaders to the same table to plan and work together with common purpose.
"This is exciting news for Bundaberg and I look forward to seeing how it progresses."
