State’s education head honcho visits Kawana college
June 19, 2014
The head of Queensland Government’s biggest department, Department of Education, Training and Employment Director-General Jim Watterson, will journey to Kawana Waters State College this week to officially launch the school’s iSmart Program, celebrate outstanding education outcomes achieved by senior students and meet with community partners involved in developing essential health industry training and employment opportunities.
Kawana Waters State College (KWSC) Principal Paul Williamson said it was an honour to have Dr Watterson visit the campus and he was thrilled to have him involved with unveiling the new iPad-related learning program for Prep students.
“The iSmart program allows our Prep students to enhance their understanding of early literacy and numeracy concepts through use of a range of educational apps that are accessible via iPads,” Mr Williamson said.
“Extensive research has shown children learn best by absorbing information through a variety of modes, so we consider the use of these electronic devices to be another valuable way of learning in the classroom.”
“While our early-years students already rely on modes such as movement, painting, drawing, speaking, writing, construction and socio-dramatic play, contemporary digital communication tools like iPads, interactive whiteboards and computers also form an integral part of our teaching and learning program to promote engagement with ideas and deep learning.”
Mr Williamson said as part of the program, all 75 Prep students at the college were encouraged to use an iPad in the classroom each day, with any families unable to purchase a device being provided with access to the school’s supply or receiving a free iPad from a local charity.
“Regardless of background or economic status, it is critical that all students are provided with an equal opportunity to learn and develop, so we have ensured that every Prep student enrolled at KWSC has access to this technology.”
Mr Williamson said throughout the director-general’s visit, Dr Watterson would also attend a presentation regarding the college’s health offerings, which assist students to form career pathways into the health industry.
“Dr Watterson has already commended our 2013 school-leavers on their outstanding results, and will now meet with a range of school officials and community partners to learn more about the various health partnerships and initiatives in place for our current senior students,” Mr Williamson said.
“With the Kawana region set to welcome the largest health project currently being built in the southern hemisphere, we have developed a number of tailor-made courses that give students a head start in their chosen career.”
“In fact, we are one of the few schools in Queensland that actively provides students with the opportunity to obtain formal qualifications in nursing and allied health before graduating.”
Mr Williamson said in 2013, 99 per cent of the college’s Year 12 students graduated with a Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualification and 100 per cent of all students that applied for tertiary study received enrolment offers.
“These figures are significantly higher than much of the state, so we’re confident our career pathway programs are working well and we will continually strive to improve them even further over the coming years.”
Dr Watterson will visit the school on the morning of Friday, 20 May. For more information regarding Kawana Waters State College and the programs on offer, visit www.kawanawaterssc.eq.edu.au or call 5493 3388.
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Kristen Roder, Fresh PR & Marketing
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E: kristen@freshprm.com.au
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