Dear Families

Ministers Visit

On Monday 17^th August we had the Minister for Education – The Honourable Jeremy Rockliff, visit the school to have a look at our Packages of Learning Program. There are a few schools across the State who deliver Packages of Learning Programs in a variety of industry areas. We offer ours in Building and Construction and Architecture. Mr Glenn Wood leads this very successful program and the students undertake the majority of their learning across learning areas of English, Maths, HaSS and Science through the core work in these areas. They remain in normal class groups for options and Health and Physical Education classes. This is a strong pathway for students who may wish to continue into areas of Building and Construction or Architecture, growth industry areas for Tasmania. Minister Rockliff was impressed with the course and program we have at Kings Meadows High School. Thank you to Ms Kate Blaubaum and Mrs Katie Wightman for hosting the Minister in my absence on a school review in Hobart.

I would like to acknowledge the wonderful industry partnerships that Glenn has established for our students to be involved with and Mr Steve Frankcombe from Haywards attended the visit from the Minister on Monday.

Another fabulous partnership is with Island Block and Paving and we thank General Manager, Mr Jason Bassett and Mr Greg Lyons for assisting our students with on-site visits to their facility and supporting the program.

11/12 at Kings Meadows High School for 2021

Kings Meadows High School is an extension school, offering subjects for Year 11 and 12 students. In 2021, we will be broadening our scope to include, CPC20211 - Certificate II in Construction Pathways (with a focus on bricklaying and tiling) as well as Level 2 English, Mathematics, ICT and Agricultural Enterprise (with a focus on Viticulture).

Below is an excerpt from our Kings Meadows High School 11/12 Course Guide Booklet available for interested students:

Why should I choose to study at Kings Meadows High School?

Kings Meadows High School is a great choice for students who have a particular interest in construction, particularly in the fields of bricklaying or tiling, as well as students who are interested in agriculture with a focus on viticulture. Students who are currently enrolled in Packages of Learning (POL) Architecture and Construction will find that this course is an excellent foundation for the Certificate II in Construction Pathways VET course. However, it is not necessary for students to have undertaken POL in order to enrol in the Cert II. The smaller size of the school means that students can connect more closely with their peers, teachers and the wider school community. Smaller class sizes also afford students more 1:1 time with their teachers, allow teachers to cater for different learning styles to ensure that students stay engaged and understand what is being taught and give more opportunity for teachers to individualise feedback.

Why focus on bricklaying and tiling?

This focus is unique to Kings Meadows High School and has been chosen due to the high demand for these skills and to complement the focuses of the other colleges. Brick and block laying is a craft that takes time and skill to master. Bricklaying is a structural trade where students work with bricks, blocks and mortar to create structures. Bricklaying provides pathways for students to work for themselves or for a building company and can be the first step towards becoming a builder. Tiling is one of the finishing or allied trades and there is high demand in Tasmania and beyond for people who are qualified in the allied trades. Allied trades provide a pathway for students to work in or own a small business or to become a construction or project manager. The allied trades include plastering, painting and decorating, glass and glazing, tiling and flooring technology. In order to gain full qualifications in bricklaying, building or the allied trades, students will need to complete an apprenticeship.

Agricultural Enterprise with a focus on Viticulture AGR215117 – Agricultural Enterprise:

Kings Meadows High School runs the TASC subject Agricultural Enterprise Level 2 (AGR215117), specialising in the area of Viticulture. Successful completion of this subject provides students with 15 credit points towards their TCE. This learning program is unique to Kings Meadows High School because of the specialisation in Viticulture. Kings Meadows High School owns a vineyard, situated at the back of the school. Our Year 11/12 students will have ready access to this vineyard, which will provide hands on, real world viticultural experiences.

What is Viticulture?

Viticulture is the scientific study and production of grapes. It involves the cultivation of grape vines, generally for making wine, though viticulturalists also produce high quality table grapes.

Why study Viticulture?

Australia has seen significant growth in the wine industry and been internationally recognised for their high standard of wine production, product development and marketing. Viticulture can provide a range of future pathways from grape pickers and vineyard workers, through to fully qualified agricultural scientists and viticulturists. Further study in the area of viticulture can be completed at both TAFE and University level. Viticulture also offers pathways for students interested in Horticulture, Tourism or Business. Please note: All course offerings are subject to student enrolment numbers.

More information will be shared with our Grade 10 students in the coming weeks and an opportunity to attend a parent information evening soon.

School Satisfaction Surveys

Annual School Satisfaction Surveys for parents and staff are being conducted during August 2020 across Tasmanian government schools.

The surveys provide an opportunity for parents and staff to give important feedback on what the school does well and where we can improve. Questions cover a range of topics about our school.

All responses are secure and anonymous.

Parents selected to participate in the parent survey will receive a letter in coming days.

We encourage you to complete the survey to give our school a clear direction for future programs and services for students.

Please contact the office if you wish to use a school computer to complete the survey.