Strategic objective: Every student realising their potential
We are committed to equity and excellence in education so that all children and young people can be confident and creative lifelong learners. Our investment in education ensures children and young people have every opportunity to realise their potential at school and establish strong foundations to live happy, healthy lives and contribute to our communities in the future.
Implementing Equity and Excellence
During 2023–24, strong momentum continued in our schools, regions and central office, to create a progressive, high performing education system guided by
Equity and Excellence.
Our focus on educational achievement, wellbeing and engagement, and culture and inclusion resulted in improvements across a range of key measures, including:
- 98.7% of Year 12 students achieved a Queensland Certificate of Education or a Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement—up 1.3% since 2021
- 96.2% of First Nations students achieved a Queensland Certificate of Education or a Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement—up 3.5% since 2021
- post-school engagement for Year 12 completers rose to 88.6% in 2023 from 86.8% in 2021
- improved results in English and Mathematics across all year levels from 2021.
Our achievements in 2023–24 were driven by a range of initiatives renewing our focus on empowering our teachers and school leaders, investing in digital innovation, strengthening school performance, collaborating with the community and making sustainable investment in schools for the future.
Queensland reading commitment
Literacy skills are essential for students to thrive in their schooling years and become lifelong learners.
In late 2023, we launched a
reading commitment, which supports a consistent evidence-informed approach to teaching reading through the Australian Curriculum.
The Queensland reading commitment is backed by a $35 million investment that includes:
- more support for students in the classroom
- professional development programs and masterclasses through the Education Futures Institute, including for teachers and teacher aides
- a comprehensive suite of reading materials including guidelines, resources, and advice
- increased engagement with parents and families about helping their children with reading and the importance of starting before school
- advice through our Reading Centre about reading difficulties and disorders
- strengthening key checkpoints, including the use of the Year 1 Phonics Check
- working with universities to prepare preservice teachers
- working with registered training organisations to recognise teacher aides' professional development study as a formal qualification.
Australian Curriculum implementation
The department continued to support state schools in their planning, teaching, and assessment by providing a range of resources aligned to Version 8.4 and Version 9.0 of the Australian Curriculum. Resources to assist schools with transitioning to full implementation of Version 9.0 of the Australian Curriculum are being progressively released in line with the Minister's implementation schedule, as announced in June 2022.
Science, technologies, engineering and mathematics education
Throughout 2023–24, we delivered a range of initiatives under Schools of the future:
a strategy for STEM in Queensland state schools to support achievement, participation and teacher capability in STEM (science, technologies, engineering and mathematics) learning. Initiatives included:
- the STEM Girl Power Camp
- the Premier's Coding Challenge
- the Peter Doherty Awards for excellence in STEM education
- redevelopment of How to Teach Mathematics and How to Teach Science online coaching modules
- the development of mathematics pedagogy resources.
We also collaborated with Queensland Government agencies to support mutual strategic priorities, for example:
- supporting the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation to implement the Queensland Quantum and Advanced Technologies roadmap and the Queensland Quantum Academy through a range of initiatives that build students' STEM knowledge, skills and attributes needed for a quantum-ready workforce. Initiatives include, a quantum challenge, youth science summit and the development of quantum and advanced technologies classroom resources
- collaborating with the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training to support the reach and impact of the Gateways to Industry Schools Programs in Hydrogen, Renewable Energy, and Minerals and Energy, as well as the creation and delivery of clean energy classroom resources that feature positive and diverse role models and operations from across Queensland contexts to support Queensland's Clean Energy Workforce Roadmap
- supporting implementation of the inaugural Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) Girl Camp that was designed to foster diversity and gender equity in the future workforce, and which showcased the STEM careers available in the QFES.
Solid Pathways—STEM
Our Solid Pathways—STEM program continued throughout 2023–24 giving Aboriginal students and Torres Strait Islander students in Years 4–6 the opportunity to experience enriching and challenging STEM learning.
The program increases access to STEM for students in rural and remote locations, develops collaborative partnerships with universities, industry and like-minded organisations, and allows students to participate in interactive university experience days.
During 2023–24, 3,899 students participated in the program, bringing the total number of participants since 2020 to 14,680.
Student Wellbeing Package
We know students with good social and emotional wellbeing are more engaged with learning and tend to have higher levels of academic achievement and attainment.
In 2023–24, we continued to support student wellbeing through the $106.7 million Student Wellbeing Package (SWP), placing General Practitioners (GPs), psychologists and other wellbeing professionals in state schools.
A further 268 wellbeing professionals were engaged during 2023–24, bringing the total number of wellbeing professionals employed under the package to 615.
The GPs in Schools Pilot supported 50 schools to deliver a GP service to secondary students at their school one day per week during school terms. Building on the success of the pilot, from 2024–25, health practitioners will now also be based at 20 high-needs primary schools to support children and families to access primary healthcare as part of the Queensland Government's Putting Queensland Kids First initiative.
The SWP is complemented by funding of $35.8 million under the Australian Government's Student Wellbeing Boost. The funding is allocated to all Queensland schools, with state schools deciding how best to use the allocation to support their students' mental health and wellbeing.
Keeping students engaged in education
Students who attend school regularly and are engaged in learning are more likely to have better outcomes across their learning journey and beyond the school gates. In 2023–24, we strengthened our inclusive approach to learning through the $288 million
Youth Engagement Education Reform Package to support every student to engage with education.
Under the package, educational engagement support is provided for a range of students, including those needing additional support to remain engaged, become re-engaged and those involved in youth justice.
Both intervention and prevention initiatives are being employed to support students to remain engaged in a structured, supportive learning environment, in a format that meets their needs. Initiatives include:
- expanding the Queensland Pathways State College from 6 to 12 campuses with the first new campus open in Toowoomba, and a campus in Mount Isa earmarked as a future site. New campuses will support vulnerable students to complete senior schooling and provide pathways to tertiary education and training
- providing new FlexiSpaces in 50 high-needs schools to support students who need time away from the classroom, bringing the total number of FlexiSpaces to 110 by 2025
- establishing specialised alternative learning programs run by non-government organisations in priority locations of Cairns, Townsville, Ipswich and Mount Isa
- recruiting 78 intensive education case managers to support students who are excluded or experience multiple suspensions
- employing an additional 4 court liaison officers and 8 field officers, increasing the total number of officers helping students appearing in the Queensland Childrens Court to re-engage in education to 37
- expanding First Nations Attendance and Engagement programs to priority communities over 5 financial years to 2027–28.
Educational Precincts
As a system initiative of Equity and Excellence, we are trialling the first educational precincts in Bundaberg and Mount Isa. The dedicated precincts provide a structured cross-agency approach to planning and resourcing so schools can collectively address challenges and meet the needs within their precinct.
The Educational Precincts trial draws upon well-established research about the benefits of adopting place-based approaches to service delivery and community engagement.
Participating schools are working closely with their communities, local and cross-government partners, to share expertise, facilities, resources and ideas to provide tailored educational responses that reflect community needs and aspirations. Schools are also working with First Nations communities to embed cultural considerations in the trials to support improved outcomes for First Nations students.
Partnership Initiative
The Partnership Initiative is an Equity and Excellence system initiative to improve the learning and life outcomes for children and students living in disadvantaged communities by drawing on strengthened whole-of-government and community partnerships.
There are 42 schools participating in the Partnership Initiative and will receive prioritised support and resourcing to develop local responses to community challenges and opportunities. They will have a clear escalation process to quickly raise their issues or opportunities, and will receive prioritised and differentiated support from the department through the Lean-in Action Plan.
These schools can also access additional leadership positions to support school principals to strengthen engagement with their community. Three specialist School Supervisors have been appointed to provide differentiated supervision and support to each school and additional support is also provided by School Improvement Coaches.
Schools will have access to a School Community Partnership Facilitator (identified) position. This role fosters meaningful connections between school, students, parents and the local community.
Integrated hubs
We are getting ready to open the first ever
FamilyLinQ integrated hub at Kingston State School in the second half of 2024. This hub will connect government and social services across education, health and the community to improve the life outcomes of children and their families.
In partnership with The Bryan Foundation, we will provide a range of quality education, health and learning services to support students and families as they grow, learn and thrive.
A second FamilyLinQ hub will open in 2025 in a new primary school currently under construction at Park Ridge.
First Nations Languages Program
By valuing culture and creating inclusive teaching and learning environments, we are driving equity and excellence across every state school.
In 2023–24, we supported schools to work in partnership with local Language Owners to co-design, co-plan and co-deliver First Nations Languages in schools.
In 2024, 42 schools received a total of $500,000 to implement a First Nations Language Program (FNLP). Of these schools, 28 received $15,000 and 8 schools received $7,500, and one cluster of 6 schools received $20,000, providing approximately 2,000 students with the opportunity to access Aboriginal language programs and Torres Strait Islander language programs.
The 2024 FNLP grants will positively benefit Aboriginal students and their families and Torres Strait Islander students and their families by supporting access to their languages and cultures in the classroom. It will also provide additional funding to engage Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples to provide languages and cultures services.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aspirations Program
In 2023–24, we continued delivering the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aspirations Program (ATSIAP) to support high achieving First Nations students in Years 7 to 12 to realise their full potential.
The program includes a regional challenge and a state final challenge, co-designed in partnership with ATSIAP regional coordinators, industry experts, community members and universities.
The state final challenges were developed around the theme of 'Caring for Country in a changing world'—encouraging students to explore the intersection between traditional knowledge and new, sustainable technologies in their communities, and the value of knowledge students acquire in post-school educational pathways.
Increased participation in ATSIAP continued during 2023–24, with 80 schools and 473 students participating.
School to work transitions
We are leading 2 key initiatives to support students to realise their potential in their transition from school to work, a focus area under the Queensland Government's Good people. Good jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022–2032.
Under the Regional School Industry Partnership Program, $5 million was allocated over 4 years to strengthen local school-industry partnerships and boost student participation in school-based apprenticeships, traineeships, and other pathways beyond school such as tertiary education, training and employment.
In 2023–24, we continued developing the Enhancing career education in Queensland state schools initiative to provide educators with professional learning to support students' career development. Students in Years 7 to 10 will benefit from a career education program to help them understand their career options. The first suite of resources will be made available in the second half of 2024.
Away for the day
To support a focus on educational achievement, engagement and wellbeing, state school students switched off their mobile phones and smartwatch notifications during the school day from Term 1 2024.
The 'Away for the day' approach across all state schools aims to:
- reduce distractions in the classroom
- improve face-to-face interactions between students and staff
- promote student wellbeing
- reduce the potential for exposure to negative impacts of the digital world, such as cyberbullying.
Increased support for isolated Queensland students
We acknowledge the challenges faced by rural and remote families, including the cost-of-living pressures associated with children living away from home to attend school. To ease the financial pressure, we increased the additional allowance component of the Remote Area Tuition Allowance by $4,000 in the 2024 school year.
The additional funding is expected to help more than 1,400 students in 2024.
Share the Dignity
The availability of free period products in schools builds student confidence, relieves cost-of-living pressures and supports students to attend school when they are unable to afford period products.
In 2023–24, the department expanded its partnership with Share the Dignity, a Queensland based charity, to give more students access to free period product packs. Under the partnership, all state schools, outdoor and environmental education centres, and residential facilities have had the opportunity to register for a Dignity Vending Machine.
There are now 529 Dignity Vending Machines installed in state schools, an increase of 391 since the completion of the original initiative in 2022–23.
Eat right, play right, learn well program
The Eat right, play right, learn well program assists school communities to promote healthy behaviours that support learning and get kids moving, starting with the fundamentals of healthy eating and play.
Sixty schools have already benefited from the program, with more than $130 million being made available for schools to participate in the popular program.
The additional funding will see 367 more upgrades or enhancements to playground and tuckshop facilities at 358 schools across the state in an effort to keep students healthier and more active.
Creative Generation
We have continued to empower our students to enrich their school communities through the arts, with 2024 marking 20 years of Creative Generation—State Schools Onstage, and 30 years for Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Art exhibition.
Our Creative Generation—State Schools Onstage offers Queensland students the opportunity to participate in a 6-month program, culminating in 4 performances in July 2024. The performances showcase a 500-voice choir, 66-piece symphony orchestra, 1,000 dancers, vocalists, drama students, drumline, musicians as well as student stage and media crews.
The program also includes an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance program, a 97-student Auslan signing choir, a special school dance ensemble and a kindergarten cast of our youngest performers.
Our Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Art exhibition showcases 37 student works in the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our students.
Equitable access to online learning
We are committed to ensuring students have access to technology, at home and in the classroom, that enables digital, future focused learning.
In addition to continuing the Bandwidth Upgrade Project, the department is a nominating organisation for the Australian Government's School Student Broadband Initiative boosting education opportunities and narrowing the digital divide for families with school-aged students and no home internet. Under the initiative, the Australian Government is providing eligible families with free internet until 31 December 2025, allowing continuity of online learning from school to home. As a nominating organisation, we have administered the initiative throughout the state, providing promotional materials and advice to state schools and assisting families with their applications and inquiries.
Devices for financially disadvantaged students
Digital technology is essential to responding and adapting to a changing world. Difficulty accessing these technologies should never be a barrier to learning.
In 2023–24, we continued to reduce barriers to digital learning by supporting schools to purchase an additional 13,646 devices to ensure equitable access to digital devices for financially disadvantaged students, bringing the total to 42,300 since the program began in 2020.
Artificial Intelligence
Rapid developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) present an opportunity to improve educational outcomes through digital innovation in teaching and learning.
In 2023–24, 500 students and 25 teachers from 10 schools were part of a trial to harness the power of a learning platform, Cerego. Cerego uses generative AI and machine learning to provide a tailored interactive learning experience that quickly adapts to individual needs. In addition to the learning benefits provided to students, the technology reduces the administrative work associated with lesson planning, providing teachers with more time to focus on educating students.
Learnings from the trial are being used to inform development of guiding resources for the safe use of AI in schools and the further rollout of Cerego to schools.
To assist schools to operationalise the recent release of the Australian Framework for Generative Artificial Intelligence in Schools, we have released the Queensland generative AI guidance materials.
Queensland Virtual Academy
During 2023–24 we piloted the Queensland Virtual Academy (QVA) in select locations as part of our commitment to deliver digital innovation in teaching and learning.
The QVA is a statewide, cohesive approach to increasing equity in student access to curriculum pathways, learning opportunities, and teaching expertise. The QVA enhances access to a broad range of high-quality learning opportunities for students regardless of where they live by leveraging digital and virtual learning.
As at June 2024, 483 schools and 4,880 students are receiving QVA services.
The pilots across the state are informing the next steps in QVA development, with stakeholders continuing to be a part of the ongoing consultation and co-design.
School resourcing review
With school and student needs evolving, we are reviewing arrangements for the allocation, distribution and management of recurrent resources for state schools. The review aims to achieve strong alignment between system objectives and resource use to maximise student outcomes, and provide for fair, transparent and predictable arrangements based on need. The review is expected to be completed by the end of the 2024 calendar year.
Service area performance
Objective: Queensland students engaged in learning, achieving and successfully transitioning to further education, training and work.
Description: Delivering Prep to Year 12 in Queensland state schools to prepare young people for successful transitions into further education, training and work and administering funding to Queensland non-state schools.
Table 5: School education performance measures
Effectiveness measures
Proportion of Year 12 students awarded certification i.e. Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) or Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement | 98% | 98.7% |
| Proportion of Year 12 students who are completing or have completed a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship or were awarded 1 or more of: QCE, International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBD) or Vocational Education and Training qualification | 98% | 97.6% |
| Proportion of students who, 6 months after completing Year 12, are participating in education, training or employment | 88% | 88.6% |
| Proportion of parents satisfied with their child's school | 94% | 90.7% |
Efficiency measures
Average cost of service per student—Primary (Prep to Year 6) | $18,581 | $18,909 |
| Average cost of service per student—Secondary (Years 7–12) | $18,627 | $19,534 |
| Average cost of service per student—students with disability | $19,145 | $19,737 |
Discontinued measures:
- Year 3 test—proportion of students at or above the National Minimum Standard1
- All students:
- Indigenous students:
- Year 5 test—proportion of students at or above the National Minimum Standard1
- All students:
- Indigenous students:
- Year 7 test—proportion of students at or above the National Minimum Standard1
- All students:
- Indigenous students:
- Year 9 test—proportion of students at or above the National Minimum Standard1
- All students:
- Indigenous students:
Notes:
- NAPLAN service standards have been discontinued following agreement by all Education Ministers to cease reporting against existing performance benchmarks and introduce new proficiency standards. Queensland state school results for the new proficiency standards are available in
Appendix B.
Additional performance information
The following data is also available.