The Andrews Labor Government is drawing up a blue print for improving education across Shepparton and Mooroopna through a new education plan.
Minister for Education James Merlino today announced the second stage of community consultation in the development of the Shepparton Education Plan – a long term plan to help young people get the best possible start in life.
The plan will look at learning opportunities from birth to post-secondary, however many of the initial findings relate to the structure and operation of the region’s secondary schools.
The latest phase of consultation will consider proposed scenarios of how Shepparton’s secondary education could look into the future. The options already developed through the first phase of consultation with the community include:
- The region’s four schools remain operating as is
- The four schools remain with minor improvements
- One secondary school on one main campus with an additional tech school and Mooroopna precinct development
- One secondary school on two campuses, additional tech school and Mooroopna precinct development
As part of the transformational change, suggestions for a number of options for new facilities are to be considered, including a new secondary school, a new tech school, a Mooroopna precinct redevelopment and a new integrated children’s centre.
The advisory committee and working groups have also sought advice from teachers, principals, education experts, local community members and key stakeholders to inform the recommendations.
Further options for consideration will be enhancing teacher capabilities, upgrading school facilities and establishing new approaches to teaching and learning that put students first.
Feedback from the second consultation phase will be used to guide the continued development of the Shepparton Education Plan, with a final recommendation due to Government early next year. The Shepparton Education Plan will be delivered over three stages – this first stage focusing on the town’s secondary schools.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino
“We want to genuinely look at all options and to have an open conversation with the community about opportunities and benefits as well as challenges and constraints.”
“The community has spoken, it wants to see change so the young people of Shepparton and Mooroopna have better access to a high quality education and we are listening.”
Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp
“This is a once in a generation opportunity to come together as a community, to make changes and improve opportunities for young people in the region.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020