Approximately 32,000 students have returned to 153 Northern Territory Government schools today, with the Northern Territory's Minister for Education and Training spending the day in regional and remote schools, highlighting the Finocchiaro CLP Government's commitment to regional and remote education outcomes.
The first day of school for 2026 marks the start of the 'Boosting Literacy and Numeracy plan' and explicit teaching in Northern Territory Government schools.
The plan will see schools embrace a consistent, evidence-based approach to learning focused on boosting literacy and numeracy by getting back to basics and aligns to evidence that shows students who learn through explicit teaching make greater learning gains than students who do not.
On the 27th and 28th of January, the Department of Education and Training held professional learning days for teachers focused on the explicit teaching of literacy and numeracy, which included workshops from Dr Lorraine Hammond AM, an educator, academic and researcher working with schools across Australia taking up explicit teaching.
The Minister for Education and Training, Jo Hersey, spent the morning at Katherine High School, before visiting Barunga School in the afternoon.
"Every child deserves an education, regardless of where they are in the Territory.
"As part of our plan, teachers and schools are well supported to adopt the plan with improved resources and professional learning provided," she said.
"Explicit teaching is especially important here in the Northern Territory because of the diverse linguistic, cultural, and educational backgrounds of our students.
"Clear, structured, and systematic instruction ensures equitable access to learning, reduces cognitive load, and gives all students the foundational literacy and numeracy skills they need - not just for school, but for life."
