Regional communities relieved as Year 7 students stay in primary schools

Author: Mia Davies
Published on: 27-October-2009

Member for the Agricultural Region Mia Davies has welcomed the announcement today that Year 7 students in public schools will not be relocated to secondary schools next year.

Ms Davies said people in regional communities were very apprehensive about any changes to the starting years for high school.

“This is a particularly sensitive issue for people in regional areas – it means children that have to leave home to continue their education will have to do so earlier,” Ms Davies said.

“It also means fewer children would be left at local primary schools which, in some areas, may threaten the school’s viability.”

Ms Davies said The Nationals fought hard while in Opposition to ensure Year 7 classes remain in primary schools and will continue to advocate for this.

“Some regional towns only have a primary school, so any change would involve students travelling longer distances to attend a high school in another town or students going away to boarding school a year earlier.”

The Minister for Education has announced the Government will review the 2007 report – which concluded moving Year 7’s into the high school system would be expensive and have little benefit – to inform a decision about future years.

“I will be engaging with Minister Constable to ensure the review takes into account the opinions of people from regional WA and I would welcome any feedback, which I will pass on to Minister Constable,” Ms Davies said.

Ms Davies urged parents, teachers and students in the agricultural region to contact her with concerns or comments about this issue.