A total of 25 ACT schools are to take part in a University of Canberra (UC) program to improve the standard of teaching in the Territory.
Announced by the Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development, Yvette Berry, the schools will join UC’s Affiliated Schools Program following a successful trial of five schools.
Ms Berry said the program was aimed at empowering teachers and school leaders to meet the learning needs of all students.
She said it would enhance preservice teacher education through school-based clinics and professional experience placements to ensure graduates were well equipped to enter the teaching workforce.
“The program also benefits the existing workforce by supporting collaboration with preservice teachers and university academics as well as sharing research through professional learning, resources and evidence-based programs,” Ms Berry said.
“By building better links with the University of Canberra, where many of our teachers gain their initial and post graduate qualifications, we are increasing opportunities for professional learning through research collaboration as well as growing UC as a centre for excellence in teaching.”
Vice Chancellor of UC, Deep Saini said the program would allow the ACT to realise the vision of authentic, school-based teacher education, teacher professional development and research with well resourced, carefully selected schools.
“A formalised and collaborative partnership such as the UC Affiliated Schools Program focuses on future effectiveness and the relevance of education in a fast-developing Australian society,” Professor Saini said.
The 25 public schools are: UC Senior Secondary College Lake Ginninderra, UC Kaleen High School, Kaleen Primary School, Maribyrnong Primary School, Giralang Primary School, Lyneham High School, Campbell High School, Ainslie School, North Ainslie Primary School, Majura Primary School.
Lake Tuggeranong College, Calwell High School, Bonython Primary School, Gordon Primary School, Monash Primary School, Narrabundah College, Stromlo High School, Melrose High School, Garran Primary School, Arawang Primary School.
Amaroo School, Harrison School, Margaret Hendry School, Southern Cross Early Childhood School and Isabella Plains Early Childhood School.
Ms Berry said more schools would be added later.
