Education is vital to the success of Queensland children.
Student engagement is a key focus of the department and we are working to address student disengagement from learning and give all young people the tools they need to transition to further education, training or employment.
Education and training are powerful safety nets that help children find positive paths and prevent antisocial behaviour and prevent youth justice involvement.
FlexiSpaces
FlexiSpaces are an in-school tool to provide short-term support for students who are showing early signs of disengaging from learning. They are purpose-built learning environments with flexible furniture and learning zones, where teachers tailor their teaching and curriculum to reconnect students who would benefit from additional support to learning.
Queensland Pathways State College expansion
Queensland Pathways State College (QPSC) is a unique state education program for students in Years 10 to 12, which helps them achieve a Queensland Certificate of Education and supports their transition to further education, training or employment.
The referral-only college sets high expectations for student learning and provides an alternative education option for hundreds of students who would otherwise disengage from education and training pathways.
There are campuses in Bracken Ridge, Bundamba, Coorparoo, Goonda, Moreton Bay, Mount Gravatt, Toowoomba and Townsville. Mount Isa campus is scheduled to open in 2025.
Intensive Education Case Management
Intensive education case managers are based in all regions as part of a state-wide service to work with suspended or excluded young people to keep them engaged in learning.
They work with schools, regional teams and parents/carers to improve education outcomes and help young people identify and work toward further education, training or employment.
Education Justice Initiative
The Education Justice Initiative (EJI) provides specialist support to young people involved with youth justice, particularly those coming before Childrens Courts across the state.
The information and referral service works with partner agencies to provide holistic support and improve young people’s opportunities and life outcomes.
Specialised alternative learning programs
Alternative learning programs for children in contact with the youth justice system are being established through funding partnerships with non-government organisations in Cairns, Townsville, Mount Isa and Ipswich.
Holistic wrap-around support designed to address barriers to education, like access to housing and health care, will ensure young people are in the best possible position to make the most of the learning program.
Alternative learning curriculum
An alternative curriculum is being developed to support students who need tailored educational support to gain essential skills they missed in their education journey.
It will align with the Australian Curriculum, but is designed respond to the needs of Queensland students.
First Nations attendance and engagement
A range of targeted initiatives to improve educational outcomes, increase attendance for First Nations students and contribute to closing the gap.
New programs will commence in Cherbourg, Murgon and Beaudesert SHS in 2025.