- Published:
- Thursday 24 October 2024
Secondary schools in Merri-bek North are joining forces to maximise student outcomes, engagement and inclusion, thanks to the Allan Labor Government.
Minister for Education Ben Carroll launched the Merri-bek North Education Plan, after a thorough consultation and partnership building process to identify community needs and the unique challenges and strengths of the area.
The schools involved in the plan are Coburg High School, Glenroy Secondary College, John Fawkner Secondary College and Pascoe Vale Girls Secondary College.
The top priorities identified for the Merri-bek North Education Plan are excellence in teaching and learning, a focus on student wellbeing and positive behaviour, as well as providing a diverse and high-quality range of subject offerings and learning opportunities.
The consultation and engagement also found that students in the area need individualised support and pathways, which is exactly what the Merri-bek North Education Plan delivers.
The Plan will transform education in the area over the next ten years, creating more opportunities for students, and build stronger connections between schools and their communities.
Schools involved will be able to share resources and expertise, giving students more opportunities to take classes and participate in activities that may have not been available to them previously.
The Plan will allow the schools to leverage their shared vision to establish strong partnerships with tertiary education providers, as well as promoting vocational pathways in local high growth industries such as advanced manufacturing, science, healthcare and education.
We will also continue to assess the buildings at each school to ensure they’re up-to-date, maximising modern learning opportunities for all students.
This will be supported by $50,000 to update the masterplan for Glenroy Secondary College, which will ensure future buildings at the school will meet the needs of the school community.
This builds on recent funding for schools in Merri-Bek North, with the Labor Government previously delivering:
$14.5 million in the 2023–24 budget for John Fawkner Secondary College for a new science and visual arts building and a new food technology building.
$17.8 million in the 2023-24 budget for Coburg High School for a two-storey technology building and to create space for 250 additional local students.
$11.944 million in the 2021–22 budget for Pascoe Vale Girls Secondary College to build a new arts and technology centre.
$9.215 million in the 2019–20 budget for Glenroy Secondary College for a new senior and junior school, learning resource centre, administration centre and staff hub.
The Labor Government recognises the unique strengths and characteristics of the schools in Merri-bek North, and this Plan ensures this community has a localised vision for excellence and wellbeing in education for the decade to come.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Ben Carroll
“The Merri-bek North Education Plan will transform education in this area over the next ten years, creating more opportunities for students, and build stronger connections between schools and their communities.
Quote attributable to Member for Broadmeadows Kathleen Matthews-Ward
“Inclusion is at the heart of this plan, and we are ensuring that every student has the support they need to thrive.”
Quote attributable to Member for Pascoe Vale Anthony Cianflone
“This plan makes sure that every student across Pascoe Vale and beyond has access to a world class education.”