Year seven will soon be high school

Following what a lot of private schools have already implemented, local high school John Willcock College will soon cater for year seven students.

The works are expected to be completed 2014.

What are your thoughts? Is year seven a better age to start high school, or is it too young?

Education Minister Peter Collier today announced new classrooms and specialist facilities for year 7 students in six regional schools, ahead of their move to public secondary schools in 2015. 

Mr Collier said the teaching classrooms, science laboratories, arts spaces and information technology areas would be built or refurbished as part of a $265million capital works program in 29 schools across the State.

The Royalties for Regions program is providing $42.6million of the funding.   The Minister said the program was part of the State Government’s commitment to guarantee a place for every year 7 student at their local secondary school.    “Hundreds of secondary students in regional schools will benefit from this investment, which further demonstrates the State Government’s commitment to the education of young adolescents,” he said.  

“With the move to secondary school, year 7 students will have access to specialist secondary school teachers and facilities most fitting for the new Australian Curriculum.  From 2015, students in Western Australia will have the same learning opportunities as their interstate counterparts who have been succeeding in secondary settings for years.”  

Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls said he was pleased $42.6million of Royalties for Regions funding was being used to assist regional schools for the relocation of year 7 students.  

“The funding will enable secondary schools in regional areas to accommodate the new intake of students and provide them with the facilities they need to ensure the best educational outcomes for students,” Mr Grylls said.