A leader in offering students inclusive, STEM and Vocational Education and Training (VET) opportunities, Thuringowa State High School has won multiple awards for providing excellence in education.
Teacher Wendy Bode (Deputy Principal of Global Tropics Future Project) with students Jenna Poole, Jenna Copp and Byron McDonough. Last year, the school was Education Queensland’s State Winner for the Showcase Awards for Excellence in Industry Partnerships for the Global Tropics Future Project and was also a national finalist in this year’s Australian Education Awards for Best STEM Project.
Thuringowa State High School is committed to an inclusive model of education and offers students a wide variety of STEM and Vocational Education and Training (VET) opportunities.
Last year, the school was awarded Education Queensland’s State Winner for the Showcase Awards for Excellence in Industry Partnerships for the Global Tropics Future Project and was also a national finalist in this year’s Australian Education Awards for Best STEM Project.
This year, Thuringowa State High School also was awarded the regional winner for Inclusive Education. “It was a proud moment being named the regional winner for Inclusive Education at this year’s Showcase Awards for Excellence in Schools,” says Loren Swancutt, Thuringowa State High School’s Regional Head of Special Education Services for Inclusion.
“Inclusive education values and celebrates student diversity and actively works to eliminate barriers to ensure equitable access and participation for all.”
For students with a disability, in particular, this results in the application of quality differentiated teaching practice and adjustments to ensure they are empowered to engage in the regular curriculum alongside their peers.
above::Vocational Education and Training (VET) teacher, Jacqui Dale, was announced as the North Queensland Vocational Education Teacher of the Year for North Queensland. Thuringowa State High School VET courses include a Dual Cert II in Health Support Services and Community Services in Year 11 and the Cert III in Health Services Assistance in Year 12.
“For the past five years all students have learnt, socialised and participated in extracurricular activities together,” Loren says.
“The academic achievement of students with a disability has increased significantly, with many students having received academic awards commensurate with their peers. Students are well-represented in sporting teams, in theatre productions, in enrichment programs like iSTEM and work experience and school-based traineeships.”
Through the Global Tropics Future Project, Thuringowa State High School is also connecting students with authentic Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) learning experiences.
“We are collaborating with James Cook University, local industry and community organisations to prepare students for the modern world of increased global and technological innovations,” says Thuringowa State High School Deputy Principal Wendy Bode.
“The Global Tropics Future Project enables like-minded students to connect, collaborate and explore their STEM interest and passion.”
Through the Global Tropics Future project, the far expanses of North Queensland are no obstacle as the STEM opportunities provided are boosting outcomes for all learners, including those from rural and remote areas.
“Whether connected virtually or face-to-face, the Global Tropics Future Young Scholars are developing 21st-century skills,” Wendy says.
“The skills required of the future workforce demands resilience, critical thought and adaptability from our students, which they are developing while addressing local, national and global emerging STEM challenges.”
Teacher Loren Swancutt (Regional Head of Special Education Services for Inclusion) with students Lachlan Taylor and Emily Gamze. This year, Thuringowa State High School was awarded Education Queensland’s Regional Winner for Inclusive Education. Inclusive education values and celebrates student diversity and actively works to eliminate barriers to ensure equitable access and participation for all.
Thuringowa State High School also offers its students a large selection of Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, which includes a Dual Cert II in Health Support Services and Community Services in Year 11 and then the Cert III in Health Services Assistance in Year 12.
“Recently, our VET teacher, Jacqui Dale, was announced as the North Queensland Vocational Education Teacher of the Year for North Queensland,” says Thuringowa State High Head of Senior School, Leonie Phelan.
“Jacqui has over 25 years of experience as a Registered Nurse as well as a classroom teacher with VET qualifications. She sees the predicted shortage of healthcare professionals in the future as a perfect opportunity for our students to gain valuable, employable qualifications before they’ve left school.”
The students spend time learning practical, hands-on skills in communication and work health and safety, including obtaining a First Aid certificate. All skills that are useful in any chosen profession.
Thuringowa State High School
Vickers Road South
Condon
47 538 888
www.thuringowashs.eq.edu.au