³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾

A $13 million package of professional learning for teachers and principals will help deliver full value from the move of Year 7 into high school.

The program represents one of the biggest single investments into professional learning ever made by the Education Department.

It includes funding for further tertiary qualifications for primary teachers to make the move to high school, as well as professional learning for high school teachers to expand their knowledge in teaching and supporting early adolescents.

These will be modelled on successful programs delivered in Western Australia and Queensland when they recently moved Year 7 into high school.

All high schools, area schools and R-12 schools will receive a share of $2.85 million in establishment grants to help them prepare school learning environments and facilities for incoming Year 7 students.

Funding will also be provided to support high school leaders to plan for Year 7 entry in 2022.

The development of the professional learning strategy that will guide the deployment of the $13 million investment is underway and will be the focus of engagement with key stakeholders in 2019.

It is anticipated that programs will begin to be delivered in 2020.

The professional learning needs of SSOs and other ancillary staff to support the successful move of Year 7 from primary into high school are also under consideration.

“This $13 million package is one of the biggest single investments in professional learning ever delivered by the Education Department,” said Minister Gardner.

“This funding will help us to unlock full value from the move of Year 7 into high school.

“We have done a lot of planning and research into how Western Australia and Queensland successfully moved Year 7 into high school and we know that the foundation for success is laid by investing in our teachers and leaders.

“We will continue to consult widely in the development of the professional learning package and look forward to working productively with our workforce and all our key stakeholders to develop a great outcome.”