EDUCATE ME
EDUCATE ME
More schools on the way for the North West
The Minns Labor Government is getting on with the job of delivering new high schools in Sydney ’ s North-West , announcing the site for a new public high school for two of the city ’ s fastest growing suburbs .
The new public high school for Schofields / Tallawong will be built at 201 Guntawong Road , Tallawong , on land owned by the NSW Government . This part of North-West Sydney recorded the fastest student population growth in the recent Enrolment Growth Audit , with the overall population more than tripling between 2016 and 2021 , according to recent Census data .
The new high school will initially cater for 1,000 students , delivering more than 50 permanent classrooms , and is due for completion on Day 1 , Term 1 2027 .
The school site is also being master planned for future expansion and will cater for significant growth around the Tallawong Metro Station , supporting the nearby mixed-use precinct and reducing pressure on nearby schools .
With housing the largest cost of living issue facing the people of NSW , delivering more well-located houses nearby jobs , services and local schools is part of the
Expansion of AI tool trial
All NSW public school teachers will soon have access to a generative AI app developed by the NSW Department of Education , after feedback from a trial in 50 schools showed the tool significantly improved workload efficiency and enabled teachers to focus more of their time on the classroom .
In what will be one of the world ’ s largest systemic rollouts of AI chat for teachers , NSWEduChat will be made available for all teachers by the start of Term 4 . The trial began in 16 schools at the start of 2024 and initially expanded to 50 schools in Term 2 .
Purpose-built for use in education , NSWEduChat has distinct versions for teachers and students with the version for teachers aiming to reduce time spent on routine administrative tasks . The expansion of access to the generative AI app NSWEduChat follows high engagement and positive feedback from the initial trial including :
- Time saved producing a range of resources to meet the different ability levels of students .
- Improved ability to adjust classroom resources to students ’ interests .
- Significant time saving in checking correspondence , newsletters , and preparing materials .
- Some teachers involved in the NSWEduChat trial have reported saving over an hour per week on producing various lesson resources .
The objective of the trial is to understand the benefits of generative AI on teaching and learning – including how it can assist teachers to get through administrative work more quickly so their energy is focussed on students .
As part of our work to address the teacher shortage , which includes paying teachers more and giving more teachers permanent roles , the NSW Government is committed to reducing the admin load on teachers by five hours per week .
Providing NSWEduChat access to staff systemwide will allow the Department to explore the impact of the tool in assisting teachers to save time while creating quality learning opportunities for students .
NSWEduChat is based in the department ’ s own cloud environment , ensuring data is secure . Use of the app is optional for staff . To help staff use the app , the department provides professional learning resources including workshops and online guides .
Minns Labor Government ’ s commitment to create better communities for growing families , young people and downsizers .
The site was identified following collaboration between the Department of Education , Landcom , the Office of Strategic Lands and the Department of Planning , Housing and Infrastructure ( DPHI ).
The Liberals and Nationals approved new housing in Sydney ’ s North-West , but failed to plan for or build the schools this growing community needed .
Delivering this new high school is part of the Minns Labor Government ’ s work to address the school infrastructure backlog in Sydney ’ s North-West growth corridor , with new public schools being fast tracked in Melonba , Box Hill , Tallawong , Gables and Nirimba Fields , and major upgrades underway at Rouse Hill High School and Schofields Public School .
The new public high school at Schofields / Tallawong is part of our record $ 3.6 billion investment to continue delivering a pipeline of school infrastructure across Western Sydney .
Warren Kirby Member for Riverstone said : “ As our community here in Western Sydney continues to expand , it is essential that the best possible infrastructure is delivered at the same rate .
Site for the new high school .
Deputy Premier Prue Carr with Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby and Mayor of Blacktown Brad Bunting at the new site of the high school .
“ This high school is the hottest topic in my electorate . I am constantly asked where and when the school will open . “ I am thrilled to be a part of this exciting announcement today and that the NSW Labor Government is delivering on its promise to provide a permanent high school for our growing Schofields and Tallawong families .
“ The future looks bright for Sydney ’ s North-West and I look forward to providing further updates on this project and the raft of other school projects on the way for the area as soon as possible .” Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said : “ It is fantastic to share where we will build the first new public high school for the growing communities of Schofields and Tallawong .”
26 ISSUE 112 // OCTOBER 2024 theindependentmagazine . com . au THE HILLS INDEPENDENT