MICHAELA PETROFES
Students in years 11 and 12 attending Maleny State High School can expect some major changes with the school ruling to scrap their Vocational Education Training (VET) as of 2016.
Students and parents within the Maleny school community are outraged by the decision, with fears that the kids are being stripped of valuable ‘real-life’ lessons.
Local resident Robyn Devine says she believes the VET program to be valuable one and is disappointed to see schools place sole focus on academic statistics.
“There is more to life than exams and assignment,” Ms Devine said.
“The more experiences they have in these early days will ensure they will remain an active part of the global community,” she said.
The Department of Education and Training (DETE) said they support the schools decision to revert to a five-day school week.
“This will give students greater access to vocational education and training, and more opportunities to work with teachers in their senior years,” a spokesperson said.
With endorsements from the Parents and Citizens’ Association, the school timetable is set to change in the new school year come 2016.
It is yet to be determined if high schools across Queensland will follow in pursuit.
Maleny State High School was contacted for comment but did not provide one.
