Media release - Simon Rolfe on education

Media Release

Simon Rolfe

Candidate - Derwent Valley Council

Plan for Local Schools
Today council candidate Simon Rolfe announced his major policy platform for local schools. “ I would like to see the Derwent Valley Council take a lead role in establishing a working group of interested stakeholders including local government and non-government schools, UTAS and ACER (Australian Council for Educational Research) to conduct a pilot program using the NBN (National Broadband Network) to deliver curriculum into regional schools.” Mr Rolfe said.

“If we can deliver Year 11 and 12 classes into New Norfolk High School via the NBN, it will enable our children to stay and learn in the Valley rather than having to travel into Hobart every day.”

It is envisaged that lessons could be streamed live into a dedicated room at the high school, thus enabling the school to offer all Year 11 and 12 classes, not just those that have sufficient numbers enrolled. “We will be able to offer an education across a wide range of disciplines and of a depth that is missing in the current scheme.” Mr Rolfe said today.

The plan will also involve Glenora District High School being able to offer classes from NNHS or other content providers thus enabling remote students to access the same classes as their cousins in the larger areas. There could be one teacher supervising a class of children who are each undertaking different study areas on-line. “Our children should not be disadvantaged due to their rural locations,” Mr Rolfe said.

The primary schools in the municipality could also be involved with specialist language classes being a prime candidate for on-line learning.

“The education of our children is the most important gift we give them for the future, if we can offer an expanded curriculum without the need for specialist teachers in each school, it will be a win-win situation for the Valley, our children and the State Budget coffers.” Mr Rolfe said.

All Derwent Valley Council election candidates are invited to send me their details for publication on this website. Profiles, policy statements and photographs are welcome. Email: damianbester@gmail.com

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