16 March 2009
The John Monash Science School at the Clayton campus is on track to be opened at the beginning of next year. The confirmation was made during an official site inspection and the appointment of the School's new principal.
The John Monash Science School is an exciting joint initiative between Monash University and the Victorian Government's Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.
Education Minister Bronwyn Pike made a visit to the site, together with Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Larkins, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Adam Shoemaker and newly appointed Science School Principal, Peter Corkill.
The school will be fully funded and operated by the State Government with a focus on mathematics, science and technology education. When fully operational it will cater for more than 600 senior secondary school students in Years 10 -- 12.
Mr Corkill said he was honoured to accept the role and was looking forward to a new learning environment where teachers and students could explore learning together.
"Students will be encouraged to excel. The school will be a place where they will be challenged by contemporary thinking and engaged in helping find solutions to current pressing problems. And with our partner Monash University keen to work with us on creating new curriculum opportunities for schools informing teaching practice state-wide, we indeed stand ready to shape our future," Mr Corkill said.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Larkins said the development was a wonderful opportunity for Monash and the secondary school students who will attend the state of the art science school.
"The school is located just metres from the existing science and medicine faculties where the best minds in Australia are creating solutions for the future. It will provide the school's students and staff with unique opportunities to engage with university teaching and research staff," Professor Larkins said.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Adam Shoemaker said the School aims to develop world-class and innovative teaching and curriculum that will engage and enthuse students and teachers alike.
"The establishment of the school within our University setting is supported by international and interstate experience that shows students studying in specialist schools achieve improved learning outcomes within the specialty and across the curriculum," Professor Shoemaker said.
The John Monash Science School will take its first intake of students in January 2010.
For more information contact Samantha Blair, Media and Communications, +61 3 9903 4841.
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