SCHOOL AND INDUSTRY PROGRAM

The Hon. S.W. KEY (Ashford) (15:02): My question is directed to the Minister for Education and Child Development. Minister, can you inform the house on the progress of the school and industry program that I understand is taking place in a number of secondary schools with the aim of increasing the number of students taking up maths, science and technology that will be required for higher skilled jobs in the defence-related industries?

The Hon. G. PORTOLESI (Hartley—Minister for Education and Child Development) (15:02): I thank the member for Ashford for this important question. Our defence-related industries are incredibly important for building a strong foundation here in South Australia, in particular in relation to our advanced manufacturing future. Maths, science and technology skills of a high order are an essential component for many of these important jobs and careers in our industries.

There are careers in our booming defence industries and in our incredibly important automotive industry with companies such as Holden, and the many related component businesses in our state, together, of course, with the mining industry. That is why I am very pleased to report that there has been a great deal of effort by teachers and students in a number of our secondary schools to strengthen and further support these skills areas, and to ensure that what students learn is directly relevant to the needs of the industry.

We are now in our third year of working together with the federal government which is funding a $5.7 million Advanced Technology Industry-School Pathways Program over five years. Three of our outstanding high schools, Henley High School, Aberfoyle Park High School and Valley View Secondary School, are leading the way, with 12 other partner schools across metropolitan area, including St Patrick's Technical College. I am very pleased to report that there are already 800 students in senior school courses—

An honourable member interjecting:

The Hon. G. PORTOLESI: Yes, it is a Catholic school, and we are very happy to work with our colleagues in the other sectors. There are already more than 800 students in senior school courses being supported by this really important program, together with a strong focus on years 8 to 10 students to encourage them to take up these subjects when they go into their senior years 11 and 12. Preliminary indications are very positive. For example, for the first time Henley High School has two year 12 physics classes this year—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. G. PORTOLESI: —fantastic school—while its year 10 advanced technology course has increased from one class last year to three this year. I take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank schools and industries with whom we partner for this outstanding partnership.