Education City E-News

Bachelor of Education (Primary and Middle Schooling) students Kia Bland and Jasmine Higgins are the first USQ Springfield students to graduate with a specialisation in Special Education.

Special Education Program Coordinator Dr Jan Stenton said the program was one of only a few undergraduate degrees in special education in Australia when it launched in 2008.

'Special Education programs prepare teachers to meet the diverse needs of all learners in the regular and special education classrooms,' she said.

'The program qualifies teachers for employment in the regular primary or middle classroom and the special education classroom.

'The focus on curriculum, particularly in the areas of autistic spectrum disorder, speech and language difficulties and social and emotional difficulties, will inform future teachers of a range of pedagogical and behavioural strategies that are beneficial for all learners.

'There has long been a need in education for teachers specifically qualified to teach students with special needs and we are now seeing the fruits of this new program with our first graduands, Kia and Jasmine.'

Kia, who is now working at the Claremont Special School in Ipswich said she hadn’t considered working with students with special needs until she gained some hands on experience during her first year practicum.

'After working with these children, I just knew it was what I wanted to do,' she said.

'Since then I made Special Education my specialisation and I have loved working with these students. My students all vary in their learning abilities but are wonderful to work with and the school and staff are fantastic and are always willing to lend a hand.

'Eventually I would like to go back to university and study more specific areas of special education, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).'

Kia said she finds the unpredictability of her days the most interesting in her role as a special needs teacher.

'My students make my day. Every day is always different and sometimes you need to throw your planning out the window and think on your feet. I enjoy being able to provide more one-on-one support to my students as I am working with smaller class sizes and have a Teacher Aide to provide assistance.'

Kia chose to study at USQ Springfield because of the close location to her home in Raceview and she was awarded a scholarship.

'The lecturers were very helpful and by the end of the first year you know them all by name and they knew ours. Being close to home I have also been able to make and keep fantastic friendships.

'There is such a demand for special education trained teachers, if prospective students have any doubts about whether this is an area of interest for them, then I strongly encourage them to go to a special school and ask if they can help out for a day or more.

'We value everyone who comes into our classroom and provides assistance and you will learn more from practical experience than from a book. It is a worthwhile experience and I enjoy going to work every day.'

 Students still have time to apply for the Bachelor of Education (BEDU) and other USQ programs with a semester two intake - QTAC applications close on Friday 2 July. For further information phone 1800 811 380.

Greater Springfield will boom thanks to the State Government's decision to support western corridor growth by fast tracking the Springfield to Darra rail line.

Springfield Land Corporation has applauded the State Government's decision to allocate more than $120 million in the 2010-11 State Budget which will enable commencement of the remaining 10km of rail line between Darra and Springfield, a station near the Orion Springfield Town Centre, plus much needed supporting infrastructure.

Chairman Maha Sinnathamby said the Bligh Government's decision supported the $2.4 billion investment already made by Springfield Land Corporation to create Australia's largest and fastest growing master-planned community.

“For many years I have been very vocal about the need for State Government funding to fast-track this rail link and I am very grateful the State Government has answered the call,” Mr Sinnathamby said.

The 10-km line will now be open by 2013, two years ahead of schedule.

Delfin Springfield Lakes and Springfield Land Corporation have welcomed Education and Training Minister Geoff Wilson and Member for Bundamba Jo-Ann Miller's announcement that construction will soon begin on a primary and high school worth almost $50 million.

Delfin Springfield Lakes Project Director Darlene Clark said they were excited to be involved in the delivery of the schools which would complement the current educational offering in the region.

"Delfin have contributed in excess of $10 million to date for early road and servicing infrastructure which will ensure the schools are delivered for our community as soon as possible," Ms Clark said.

"Delfin Springfield Lakes have enjoyed working collaboratively with Ipswich City Council, Springfield Land Corporation and the Department of Education and Training to design and master plan the schools precinct."

Springfield Land Corporation Managing Director Bob Sharpless said the two new schools were a great example of what the state government, local council and developers could achieve by working together.

"20,000 people already call Springfield home including a large number of young families who want local education facilities for their children," Mr Sharpless said.

 "Our vision is to create a city where residents can live, work, learn and play.

"Springfield's population is set to surpass Darwin's by 2030 so this type of development is a sign of things to come as we continue providing residents with a range of study and training institutions."

For more information please contact:
Delfin Springfield Lakes - Frances Kinman/ Ashleigh Stallard - BBS, 3221 6711 or 0434 519 812