Speaking during the adjournment debate in State Parliament last week, Liberal Member for Northern Victoria, Wendy Lovell articulated the merit of establishing a tech school in Greater Shepparton and the educational opportunities it would provide local students.
Tech schools offer innovative, problem-based education programs that give students practical experience, with access to the latest technology and equipment. A tech school is also the centrepiece of partnerships with local TAFEs, universities and local government that deliver critical employment skills to local students.
Ministerial briefings obtained by Ms Lovell under a Freedom of Information request show that during the consultation phase of the Shepparton Education Plan, the most popular option within the community regarding the future structure of secondary education was the one school, one site model that also included establishing a tech school in Greater Shepparton.
These same ministerial briefing documents also show that the tech school considered to be integral to the four existing school councils agreeing to the one school model has been cut from the project.
Ms Lovell said, “Establishing a tech school in Greater Shepparton would provide unique and innovative learning pathways for local students.
“Education Minister, James Merlino must ensure a tech school is established in Shepparton as was promised, to enhance the learning opportunities for Greater Shepparton students.”
