Jeremy Rockliff,Minister for Education and Training
Teacher numbers in Tasmanian Government schools are continuing to increase under the Tasmanian Liberal Government as outlined in the Department of Education Annual Report tabled in the Tasmanian Parliament today.
There was an increase of over 50 (FTE) more teachers in 2019-20 than in 2018-19, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to employing more teachers in our public schools.
The report also shows we are continuing to deliver on our long term plan for education in Tasmania, despite challenges posed by COVID-19 including time spent learning from home.
Importantly, it highlights our focus on early year’s education to help set our young people up for the brightest future possible.
Community engagement is occurring in Sorell, East Tamar and Wynyard with Local Enabling Groups working within those communities to develop their visions for new Child and Family Learning Centres.
We have also expanded the Working Together initiative in 2020 from 55 to 120 places for 3-year olds, to help support families access quality early learning.
The nation-leading Educational Adjustments model for students with disability commenced this year, and has been a game changer in building inclusive practice in schools, shift cultures and ultimately, support better learning outcomes for students.
A total of 28,600 students in Years 4-12 completed the inaugural Student Wellbeing Survey in September 2019, which provided valuable insights of student wellbeing.
We have implemented changes in the Education Act, where from this year the minimum leaving age has increased to 18 years and students are required to participate in education and training until they complete Year 12 or equivalent.
In 2020, a further four schools extended their course offerings to include Years 11 and 12 as part of the Years 11 and 12 Extension School Initiative, which brings the total number of schools to 47.
Students have embraced our extension school program, with Years 11 and 12 enrolments at extension schools increasing to 820 FTE up from 760 FTE last year.
Importantly, that direct retention of students from Year 10 to the start of Year 11 has also increased from 87.2 per cent in 2019 to 88.5 per cent in 2020.
The Tasmanian Government is committed improving educational outcomes in Tasmania and ensuring each child has the best possible opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.
A copy of the Annual Report can be found at www.education.tas.gov.au.
