Katherine High School will receive over $200,000 and extra teachers from the NT government in 2021.
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The money will expand the number of subjects taught at the school, employ new staff and provide 224 laptops and computers for student use.
Education minister Lauren Moss toured the school today and listened to the concerns of teachers and parents about the school's facilities.
Ms Moss said a recent decision by the school to increase its focus on vocational courses is worrying some parents who are concerned there will be less emphasis on academic subjects.
"Parents have expressed some concerns around subject choice and just making sure that those academic pathways are maintained as well as the increased scope around VET (vocational courses)," she said.
She said the extra funding will go towards expanding the number of subjects so students have choices in their education.
"When you have regional high school, it needs to be all things to all people and that can be very difficult," she said.
"We are supporting students who want to achieve their ATAR and we are also supporting students who might want to go down a more vocational pathway.
"The Territory Government will put additional resources into Katherine High School from 2021 to expand subject offerings and pathways to meet the needs of all student, provide additional classroom resources and continue to foster a culture of positive behaviour to support strong student wellbeing."
A Distance Education annexe will be added to the school and staffed by teachers so students can take subjects not previously available at Katherine High School via the NT School of Distance Education.
"There's a student that's expressed a desire to do modern history, so they're working with the NT School of Distance Education around how we can make sure those subjects can be offered to students," she said.
Ms Moss said the government is committed to education in Katherine.
"Katherine High is a fantastic school, it recorded an almost 9% increase in attendance in the middle of this year, but we want to ensure it is well supported and that all students have access to the best possible education," she said.
Ms Moss said the school will also see new staff members join in education and behavioural roles.
These include:
- A new Behaviour Coordinator position.
- Two new senior teachers to support behaviour and pathway programs.
- Two new teachers to support STEM coordination and transition to work options.
- Six new classroom support staff for high needs students.
- A full-time Careers Advisor/VET Officer.
Previous commitments from the Gunner government to build a new learning centre and renovate the school's library will still be completed, according to Ms Moss.
High staff turnover rates have also concerned Katherine residents recently but Ms Moss said the school is happy with their staffing levels going in to 2021.
"I think retention has been an issue in Katherine for some time," she said.
"The school is in a very good position for 2021, and a better position than it may have been in previous years.
"I think there's some opportunities for some really exciting work in this plan and I hope that will be a good incentive for people to remain here."
Ms Moss said long term reviews will take place at Katherine High School.
"The Department of Education will now work with the school community on a 10-year roadmap for the school, particularly focusing on subject continuity for Year 11 and 12 students to ensure suitable pathways for all students."
Ms Moss said she plans to visit Katherine in 2021 and review the progress of the school.
"I'm feeling really optimistic about 2021."
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