Decision on future for Year 7s and Pre-Primaries long overdue

Alison Xamon MLC, Greens WA spokesperson on Education, has welcomed the fact that the Minister for Education has finally made a decision as to whether to move Year 7 public school students to secondary schools in 2015.

“WA parents and teachers have been asking for certainty over this issue for far too long,” said Ms Xamon.

“The Minister had completely stonewalled all their efforts to seek information. At least now people can plan ahead for their children’s education”.

Ms Xamon noted that the Barnett Government must ensure it provides additional funding so that there is a smooth transition for school communities and individual students.

“I am concerned that many of our high schools are not be equipped to handle the significant increases in students. Their infrastructure, staffing and general resourcing needs must all be addressed before the transition,” she said.

Another concern is that the move will increase the need for specialist high school teachers, which is likely to exacerbate predicted teacher shortages.

“The changes to Year 7, combined with the requirements of the new national curriculum, mean it is more important than ever that the Minister for Education prioritises school staffing.”

Ms Xamon also acknowledged the particular challenges these policy changes could present to rural and remote families and school communities.

“The Government must direct extra support and resources to affected communities ensure a smooth change over,” she said.

Ms Xamon has also welcomed the Government’s decision to make pre-primary compulsory for Western Australian students in 2013.

“Early childhood is a crucial time for learning, and a compulsory pre-primary year will help ensure that more WA children begin Year 1 with the skills necessary to succeed.”

“The Greens WA will closely monitor the impact of these significant changes to the WA public schooling system,” said Ms Xamon