Warwick High School should soon be able to virtually join advanced high school classes.
The Queensland state government last week announced a “virtual academy”, providing innovative learning opportunities to more than 4000 students in 365 state schools including the Southern Downs.
The program removes the boundaries faced by regional and rural students whose schools do not offer the specialist subjects needed for them to pursue their chosen career. Programs that will be on offer through the academy include Specialist Mathematics, Senior Physics, Japanese and Senior Psychology.
STEM enrichment programs are also on offer for students across Years 5-9 with an aptitude for STEM.
Minister for Education John-Paul Langbroek said the effort will harness the power of “world class” virtual education for students “no matter where they live”.
“I’ve spoken to students who were disheartened their school doesn’t offer the subjects needed for them to pursue careers like medicine and physiotherapy - we’re making sure this is no longer a problem.
“We have some of the best teachers in Australia and this academy allows us to use technology to our advantage to benefit kids right across the state.
Queensland Secondary Principals’ Association President Mark Breckenridge said the program had enormous potential to scale up offerings and broaden learning opportunities for students.
“Secondary schools have been actively involved in piloting this much needed initiative,” Mr Breckenridge said.
“The QVA is a model that provides limitless virtual opportunities, while reinforcing the importance of students being enrolled in their local state school.”
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