Information for Teacher Aides
Information for teacher aides
The following information for the statewide move of Year 7 to secondary school settings in 2015 is provided for teacher aides in Queensland state schools.
Why is Year 7 moving to high school?
The move of Year 7 to secondary school settings in 2015 is a major reform to Queensland’s education system, which will benefit all students.
The move follows other educational reforms, including the introduction of the Prep year in 2007 and the raising of the Year 1 entry age by six months in 2008.
By 2015, Queensland Year 7 students will be in their eighth year of school and this is the right year for high school to begin.
In a secondary setting, Year 7 students will also have access to specialist teachers and facilities, which will allow them to fully engage with the Australian Curriculum.
Is Year 7 moving in all Queensland schools?
In 2015, Year 7 will transition to secondary school in all Queensland state and non-state schools.
In state schools, Year 7 will join Year 8 and 9 as the Junior Secondary stage of schooling.
What guarantees of employment are being offered to permanent teacher aides that may be affected by the move of Year 7 to secondary school?
In instances where there may be insufficient hours at an existing school, any change to permanent base hours (PBH) allocations will be managed in accordance with the enterprise bargaining provisions; this may include the consideration of some permanent hours at another local school.
This process will take into account the skills, knowledge and preferences of each teacher aide and will be run in accordance with the existing Teacher Aides Certified Agreement.
I am currently on a temporary contract with a school; are there any guarantees of employment?
Allocation of temporary teacher aide hours will continue to be dependent upon available funding at each individual school location.
How will PBH be allocated in schools in 2015?
The allocation of PBH in all primary, secondary and special schools will continue to be allocated based on Day 8 student enrolments, and in accordance with the existing centrally administered staffing model.
Your school’s allocations may change as a result of the Day 8 enrolment collection.
What happens if my school’s PBH are reduced?
In primary schools where Day 8 indicates a decrease in PBH, the region will work with the school to develop strategies to best manage the loss in accordance with industrial awards and agreements.
Existing enterprise bargaining provisions will not be compromised. Schools and regions will adhere to the management process contained within Clause 1.5 of Section 1 of the Certified Agreement.
Am I able to move from a primary to a secondary setting?
Some teacher aides may be interested in working in secondary settings or across both primary and secondary schools.
Teacher aides interested in such opportunities should discuss this with their school leadership team as part of the local consultation process.
Has the union been consulted in regards to the management of PBH in 2015?
The department has undertaken extensive and continued consultation with the relevant unions and key stakeholders to establish transition arrangements that support existing teaching and non-teaching staff in state schools.
Where can I get further information?
Teacher aides who would like further information on the management of PBH are encouraged to speak with their schools’ leadership team.
School leadership teams are encouraged to work closely with regional human resources teams to ensure a smooth transition for staff in primary and secondary schools.
Information about Junior Secondary and the move of Year 7 to secondary settings in 2015 is available from the Flying Start website at flyingstart.qld.gov.au
The website contains a collection of fact sheets and frequently asked questions for school staff.