- Published:
- Tuesday 13 October 2015
Minister for Education James Merlino today visited Yarra Ranges Special Development School to celebrate the 1000th episode of the award winning and student-made TV show meTV.
Started in 2011, meTV enables students to produce and star in videos on subjects ranging from cooking to sign language, which are then broadcast in classrooms across Victoria and New South Wales. It has also recently expanded in to the US and Canada.
Based on the internationally recognised teaching theory called video self-modelling, the approach helps children to focus on their learning. Its creator, Shane Spence, a teacher at Yarra Ranges Special Development School, has seen fantastic results.
Since 2014, meTv has been used to support the school’s positive behaviour programme, which helps children remain focused on their work. This idea is now being trialled by the Department’s Positive Behaviour Support team.
The school will also receive an extra $27,000 in equity funding next year as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s Education State commitment to provide Victorian schools with an extra $747 million over the next four years.
The additional equity funding also complements the work underway on the Labor Government's Special Needs Plan, with its nine initiatives to make Victorian schools more inclusive.
The 2015-16 Victorian Budget invests almost $4 billion in Victoria’s education and skills system – representing the single biggest boost to education funding in Victoria’s history.
The Budget provides $325 million to renovate, refurbish or rebuild 67 schools. It will fund the first stage of an extensive asbestos removal program so that families can be assured their children are being educated in safe schools.
It also includes $180 million for programs that will help families cover the extra costs of education, like camps, excursions and uniforms, so no child misses out.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino
“We’re investing almost $4 billion to make Victoria the Education State, so every community has access to great local schools and every child gets the chance to succeed.”
“MeTV shows the dedication of our teachers and staff, and the enthusiasm of our students. This has now spread to the US and Canada, and reached 1000 episodes. It’s a fantastic achievement from all those involved.”
“Yarra Ranges Special Development School is a great example of how Victorian children are being supported to reach their full potential, no matter what their background.”