- Miles Government is expanding FlexiSpaces in schools to provide better supports to students to stay engaged with learning.
- First round of 34 of those schools to provide FlexiSpaces announced today
- Providing more support for teachers and students when they need it
- Primary Schools now included to assist with early intervention
Students remaining engaged in education is one of the most important factors in improved outcomes for young Queenslanders and the Miles Government is investing $45 million for additional FlexiSpaces at Queensland schools.
This investment is part of the Government's $288 million Youth Engagement Education Reform package announced late last year that is aimed at supporting at-risk students to stay at school or access alternative learning pathways.
Today, Minister Farmer announced the 34 schools that have accepted the first round of new FlexiSpaces to be delivered as part of the package.
FlexiSpaces are a place in a school where students who are facing challenges in a normal schooling environment can continue to be supported to stay engaged at school while still being able to stay at school with their friends and to eventually get them back into their mainstream class.
We know that mainstream classrooms aren't always the best places for all students.
This program is about giving kids and teachers the help and resources they need, in a way that is most suited to way they can learn.
FlexiSpaces are not only about supporting students.
They are a recognition that those students can often be quite challenging for teachers. Taking them out of the mainstream classroom allows teachers to cater to all students more effectively.
Disengagement from school at age seven is the greatest predictor of youth offending later in life. As we know not all students who are disengaged from school are in the youth justice system, but every child in the youth justice system is disengaged from school.
These spaces are inclusive, high-quality built environments, with high-impact teaching and learning.
They are staffed with teachers who maintain academic standards, access to the Australian Curriculum, and high expectations while providing flexible and individualised support.
The 34 new FlexiSpaces are in addition to the existing 52 FlexiSpaces delivered since 2018. A further 24 will be announced in term three this year bringing the total in the state to 102 by 2025.
This investment is supporting Queensland's most vulnerable and at-risk young people to have access to the education they need to succeed in life.
For the first time, primary state schools are included in the program, to assist with early intervention where it is most needed.
Quotes attributable to the Minister:
"FlexiSpaces are such a great tool to help schools respond to students who are experiencing challenges in a mainstream educational environment.
"Early intervention is so critical, which is why we are trialling FlexiSpaces in primary schools for the first time.
"They allow the students to remain close to their school friends, maintain a regular school routine, continue to be a part of their school community and continue their schooling with an uninterrupted curriculum.
"The primary schools that opt to be in the program will receive support from the department to design and adapt their FlexiSpace to best suit primary-age children.
"The children will be able to maintain connection with the rest of the school, they will attend classes with their peers, whole-of-school activities and routines, while receiving the support they need to thrive."
"It's important to remember, not all students who are disengaged from school are in the youth justice system, but every child in the youth justice system is disengaged from school.
Explainer/fast fact and or further information:
The first round of new FlexiSpaces will be located in the following 34 state schools:
Mackay Northern Beaches State High School
Gladstone State High School
Lockyer District State High School
Nanango State High School
Tara Shire State College
Trinity Bay State High School
Tully State High School
Pine Rivers State High School
Tullawong State High School
Bracken Ridge State High School
Brassall State School
Kruger State School
Laidley State High School
Redbank Plains State High School
Victoria Point State School
Hervey Bay State High School
Nambour State College
Urangan State High School
Northern Beaches State High School
Townsville State High School
Beenleigh State High School
Coombabah State High School
Nerang State High School
Pacific Pines State High School
Pimpama State Secondary College
Cloncurry State School
Woorabinda State School
Normanton State School
Mornington Island State School
Cherbourg State School
Murgon State High School
St George State High School
Cunnamulla State School
Tagai State College
