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Media Release
Scitech enhances indigenous students learning opportunities
10 October 2007
There will soon be a new opportunity for children in remote aboriginal communities to participate in the Western Australian resources boom through enhanced learning opportunities.
The Minister for Education, Science and Training the Hon Julie Bishop MP today announced a $350,000 science education program to support the work of Scitech Outreach programs with Indigenous students.
“Scitech already has a very strong relationship with many remote communities in WA. Now their excellent science programs will be more accessible to students, teachers and parents in remote communities.” Minister Bishop said.
“We know that our resources companies are in desperate need of employees to work in remote mining towns. This money will give local students the opportunity to gain a greater level of literacy in science subjects. If we can encourage more students to stay at school and engage them in their local workforce, the benefits will flow to the whole community.”
Scitech has a successful track record of delivering science education programmes in regional and remote Western Australia for students, teachers and the general public.
The key components of this project include:
- Indigenous Education experts developing culturally relevant and contextual programs;
- Professional Learning programs for teachers of Indigenous students. This links with the Primary Connections Program developed by the Australian Academy of Science and involves classroom modeling of science workshops;
- Do-It-Yourself Science Resource kits for remote schools, which tie in with the Professional Learning programs offered; and
- Science Awareness Festivals to be held in remote communities around the state.
Local Industry partners are also being engaged to further support the provision of career pathways and learning opportunities for Indigenous students.
Media Contacts
Scitech: Paul Nicholls, Director of Science Partnerships (08) 9215 0730
Minister Bishop’s office: Tory Vidler 0414 228 727
Dept of Education, Science & Training: Media Unit 02 6240 7300
Non-media queries: 1300 363 079
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