DISCUSSIONS on the progress of students in year 11 and 12 extension programs were on the agenda when Premier Will Hodgman visited Scottsdale High School.
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Mr Hodgman spoke to students and teachers on his tour of the North-East on Thursday to find out how they were faring in their final years of schooling.
Scottsdale High School was one of the first six schools in the state to extend to years 11 and 12, aided by government funding.
Offering these final years at the school meant some students could stay in their home town and complete their studies instead of commuting or moving to Launceston for college.
Principal Natalie Ogden said the school worked with colleges to determine the best place for each student.
‘‘I suppose our view is it’s about having [the students] really informed so they make the best decisions for next year,’’ she said.
Mr Hodgman toured the Dorset Trade Training Centre at the school, which has facilities such as an on-site cafe for hospitality students to train in their trade.
Many students in their final years choose to go down a vocational route, with subjects such as mechanical engineering and hospitality on offer.
The initial enrolment number for extension at the school was 37 students, but this dropped to 26 by November.
There are seven students at Scottsdale undertaking pre-tertiary studies.
There was an average 38per cent increase in enrolments in years 11 and 12 this year in the first six extension schools. A further seven schools will extend as phase two of the policy, with the invitation now open to all schools.
Mr Hodgman said more schools than anticipated had expressed interest in extending.
‘‘We’ve actually had a hastened interest in other schools participating in the program next year, so we’ve recently written to other schools to gauge their interest,’’ he said.
‘‘Schools across the state are wanting to get on board.’’
Opposition education spokesman Michelle O’Byrne previously said the extension program was a ‘‘poorly thought through policy’’ that would never have worked without destroying the college system.
Mr Hodgman said the government was investing in additional teaching staff and capital upgrades in schools, which would support more schools wanting to extend.