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Why Year 7 will be part of high school from 2015

Download the full fact sheet - Why year 7 will be part of high school from 2015

Queensland's education system is changing for the better for our students. From 2015 Year 7 will become the first year of high school. It is a significant reform that will benefit students at all Queensland schools.

We have consulted widely before introducing this positive change. It follows the successful introduction of a Prep year in 2007. In 2008 the Year 1 entry age was raised by six months, bringing Queensland in line with most other states.

By 2015 more than half the students in Year 7 will be turning 13. Educators agree that young teenagers are ready for greater independence and the depth of learning that high schools provide.

Introducing a Prep year has meant our students have gained an extra year of schooling. By 2015 Queensland Year 7 students will be in their eighth year of school and this is the right year for high school to begin.

Also, from 2012 Queensland will adopt the new Australian Curriculum for English, mathematics and science. Our Year 7 students at high school will have access to the specialist resources they need, including science labs and science teachers.

What we will do:

• There will be a strong emphasis on pastoral care for our students, and parents will be encouraged to become even more involved in their student's schooling in the high school years.
• State school teachers will be supported through a comprehensive professional development program and scholarships for further training to support moving Year 7 to high school. Extra funding that Catholic and independent schools will receive may also be used for professional development.
• The government will provide additional funding to upgrade facilities at state, Catholic and independent schools to ensure classrooms and other learning environments are the best they can be, and give students the learning opportunities they need.
• Moving Year 7 to high school is part of wider improvements to our education system. From 2013, Years 8 and 9 will become Junior Secondary in all state schools, with Year 7 becoming part of Junior Secondary in 2015. Catholic and independent schools will decide how their Years 7, 8 and 9 will be structured.
• We will increase support for families living in rural and remote parts of the state. This includes increasing the Living Away From Home Allowance for eligible Year 7 students to the secondary student rate.
• The government will establish a reference group to investigate the funding needs for boarding schools in the light of demand for boarding school places.
• Before 2015, we will pilot Year 7 in up to 20 state high schools.

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This page was last reviewed on 09 June 2011

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