Department of Education (Western Australia) facts for kids
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.JPG) The Department's headquarters in East Perth |
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| Department overview | |
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| Formed | 1 October 2009 |
| Preceding agencies |
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| Headquarters | 151 Royal Street, East Perth, Western Australia |
| Motto | Public education: A world of opportunities |
| Employees | 41588 |
| Minister responsible |
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| Department executive |
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| Child agencies |
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The Department of Education is a special part of the Government of Western Australia. It is in charge of all public schools and education in Western Australia. This also includes schools on Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. The main office for the Department is in East Perth.
The Department is led by its Director General, Lisa Rodgers. She works closely with the Minister for Education, Tony Buti. Together, they make sure education in WA is the best it can be.
Contents
What the Department of Education Does
The Department of Education helps run schools and supports students and teachers. It makes sure everyone in Western Australia has a chance to learn.
Public Schools and Support
As of September 2021, the Department manages 822 public schools across Western Australia. These schools are grouped into 8 education regions. Each region has an office and a Director to help schools. The Department also checks on non-government (private) schools. They make sure these schools meet important standards.
Key Groups Helping Education
The Department of Education works with several important groups. These groups help with different parts of your learning journey:
- School Curriculum and Standards Authority: This group creates what you learn in school, from Pre-Primary to Year 12. They set the standards for what students should know. They also handle the Year 12 ATAR exams and tests like NAPLAN. They give out the WACE to students who finish high school.
- Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia: This board makes sure all teachers are qualified and ready to teach. They check that teachers are good role models and have the right skills.
- Statewide Services Centre: This is a central place that provides many support services for public schools. It helps schools with resources and special programs.
- Leadership Institute: This group helps principals and school leaders become even better at their jobs. They offer training and programs to support school improvement.
- Schools of Special Educational Needs: These schools help students with specific needs. This includes students with learning differences, sensory challenges, or medical conditions.
- Schools of the Air: These schools provide education to students who live in very remote areas. They use online tools like Webex to teach students who cannot attend a regular school. Some of these schools are in Carnarvon, Kalgoorlie, and Port Hedland.
- School of Isolated and Distance Education: This school also helps students who are isolated or need to learn from a distance.
A Look Back at Education in WA
The Department of Education has changed its name a few times over the years. It has always worked to improve learning for students in Western Australia. Here are some of its past names:
- General Board of Education (1847–1871)
- Central Board of Education (1871–1893)
- Education Department (1893–1988)
- Ministry of Education (1988–1994)
- Education Department of Western Australia (1994–2003)
- Department of Education and Training (2003–2009)
