$288m to keep students in education

A new campus will be set up in Deception Bay under the State Government’s $288 million program to keep students engaged in education.

No decision has been made where the campus will be located, but it is part of the Queensland Pathways State Colleges (QPSC) expansion from six to 12.

A Department of Education spokesperson said Deception Bay and Toowoomba will start in 2024 followed by Mt Isa, Central Queensland, Logan and Cairns.

Each campus caters for students in Years 10-12 to complete their Year 12 education, return to mainstream school or transition to further education, training and employment.

The package aims to increase engagement programs targeting First Nations young people and intervention for those at risk or known to youth justice.

$45 million will be used to create 50 new FlexiSpaces in high-needs schools, on top of the 52 schools which already have one.

New FlexiSpaces will have a dedicated teacher to provide extra support for students who need a break from the classroom, for such as mental health issues or disruptive behaviour.

There are currently four FlexiSpaces within in the City of Moreton Bay.

A further $57 million will fund intensive case management for students known to Youth Justice authorities and 177 new frontline positions, including 12 new Court Liaison Officers, will be created.

There will also be a curriculum aligned to the Australian Curriculum developed for use in all Queensland state school alternative learning programs.

“The support strategies are part of a broader package that will build on work already underway to help schools manage the complex needs of some students,” the Education spokesperson said.

Queensland Pathways State College has an established enrolment eligibility process for all students wishing to enrol and can be found by clicking here.