Media Release
Next phase of Age of Entry Trial announced
Friday 25 November 2005
The Department of Employment, Education and Training (DEET) has announced that Phase II of the Age of Entry Trial will commence in 2006. Phase II presents the opportunity for additional Northern Territory Government schools to participate in the Age of Entry Trial for Preschool and Transition students.
DEET’s Deputy Chief Executive for Education Services Ken Davies said this second phase of the NT Government’s Age of Entry Trial provides an opportunity for up to 30 Territory Government schools to adopt the streamlined enrolment structure as of Term 1 2006. All schools may nominate for Phase II.
“Phase II of the Age of Entry Trial will incorporate the shift to a single intake for Transition students turning five by 30 June – as was the case with Phase I of the trial,” Mr Davies said.
“The trial also provides for children aged four by June 30 to participate in Preschool programs. However there will be no mandated single intake for Preschools and schools will be encouraged to negotiate with their community regarding appropriate entry age.
“Schools participating will receive an $11,000 start-up grant – to be used for physical teaching resources, part-time instructor assistance and the support of teachers through professional development,” he said. “Such professional development helps foster quality teachers, and is crucial to improving outcomes for our early years students.”
Mr Davies stressed that Phase II of the trial is voluntary, and nominations are being sought from schools across the Territory keen to participate. An announcement regarding the 2006 participating schools will be made by the Minister for Employment, Education and Training Syd Stirling after nominations close.
Mr Davies said that NT Age of Entry Trial has been developed to ensure Territory schools are on track with respect to the Australian Government’s requirements for all states and territories to move to a nationally consistent single intake policy.
“The NT trial is aimed at preparing NT Government schools for the national requirements which are expected to be mandated by 2010. In rolling out our trial now, we are preparing our schools and early childhood teachers well in advance of this timeline.”
Mr Davies said the Phase I of the trial proved highly successful in maximising opportunities for children to engage in two years of pre-compulsory early learning programs, which are demonstrated to improve life learning outcomes.
“Most notably, the full year of Transition that students have received through the trial no longer disadvantages children who had previously received only two or three terms of Transition under the continuous intake policy.
“The continuous – sometimes monthly - intake may have had an unsettling effect on the Transition classes, which is eliminated when students begin together at the start of the year. Teachers can better progress through the curriculum without worrying that children may have missed out on any content or skills taught.
“The Age of Entry changes are widely beneficial, with clear indicators confirming that one intake into Transition at the start of the year benefits student learning, including social and academic development.”For more information visit the Age of Entry website at www.ageofentry.nt.gov.au.