More than 100 primary school teachers have already signed up to the move into high school next year and will now be formally upskilled as part of a $13 million professional development program.
The initial recruitment process of teachers for the Marshall Liberal Government’s Year 7 move was launched last year and invited applications from permanent primary teachers who wanted to make the move.
The first successful recruits will be getting high school ready through professional learning on literacy, the Year 7 to 9 curriculum programs and understanding adolescent learners.
Professional learning will start from Term 2 and continue throughout the year.
Education Minister John Gardner said it was fantastic to see teachers embracing the move.
“The move of Year 7 into high school is a transformational change to our education system that will provide our students with the opportunity to be taught by specialist teachers in specialist facilities, just as the national curriculum is designed to be taught,” said Minister Gardner.
“The uptake of permanent primary teachers applying for high school positions shows that our teachers recognise the importance of this move and are embracing the opportunities available to them.
“The next step is to provide these recruits with the best possible support in their new roles. Formal professional learning is one of many ways we are building confidence in our workforce so that teachers are ready for the move.
“Our primary and high school principals have been working together, with clear guidance from the department, to ensure our teachers get the most out of their professional learning to prepare them for high school.
“The recruitment of hundreds more high school teachers will also begin during Term 2, opening up to all qualified teachers. There has never been a better time to join our teaching workforce.”
The Education Department will cover the cost of temporary relief teachers for primary schools while professional learning is undertaken, to minimise any disruption for primary students and ensure their learning continues seamlessly, as well as travel and accommodation costs for those teachers travelling to Adelaide from country locations.
In 2021 primary schools will also receive additional funding to cover the cost of temporary relief teachers for three days, to allow primary teachers to attend their new high schools for induction activities, whole-schools professional learning or planning for 2022.
In 2022 high schools will be funded to release permanent primary teachers who have made the transition so they can to take part in mentoring and preparation activities at their new school.
To find out more about recruitment for the state’s move of Year 7 into high school visit education.sa.gov.au.
