Information for administrative and operational staff
The following information relates to the statewide move of Year 7 to secondary school in 2015 and is provided for administrative and operationalstaff in Queensland state schools.
Why is Year 7 moving to high school?
The move of Year 7 to secondary school 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 to comprise Junior Secondary.
How will administrative officer staffing resources in primary schools be affected by the Year 7 move?
Administration Officer AAEP/AO2 allocations will continue to be calculated based on the enrolment collection undertaken in the previous semester in accordance with existing protocols and processes.
Semester 1, 2015 AAEP/A02 allocations in primary schools will be based on Semester 2, 2014 enrolments.
Semester 2, 2015 AAEP/A02 allocations will be reflective of 2015 February effective enrolments.
What guarantees of employment arebeing offered to administrative and operational staffin primary schools that may be affected by the moveof Year 7 to secondary school?
All Administrative and Operational staff in primary school settings are guaranteed no reduction in their personal classification as a direct result of the Year 7 transition process.
There is also a guarantee that there will be no reduction in permanent hours, however in some cases, it may be necessary to offer some of these hours at another school.
How will administrative and operational staffing resources in secondary schools be allocatedin 2015?
Administrative Officer AAEP/AO2 resources in secondary schools for Semester 1 2015 will be calculated using the Day 8 2015 enrolment collection and allocated immediately.
This will ensure that the Semester 1 allocation responds to the immediate workload impact of the Year 7 student enrolments.
These allocations will revert to usual protocols and timelines from 2016.
Will I be required to work in a secondary school?
Where it may be necessary to allocate administrative or operational hours from primary to secondary settings, a local consultation process will be conducted that takes into the account the skills, knowledge and preferences of the officers involved.
I am currently on a temporary contract with a school; are there any guarantees of employment?
Theallocation of temporary administrative and operational resources in primary and secondary state schools will continue to be dependent on student enrolments at each school location.
Has consultation with key stakeholders been undertaken?
The department has undertaken extensive and continued consultation with the relevant unions and professional associations to establish transition arrangements that support existing teaching and non-teaching staff in state schools.
Where can I get further information?
School-based staff are encouraged to speak with their principal if they would like further information about the workforce transition principles and strategies.
Principals are working closely with their regional human resources team to ensure that all staff are supported during the transition period.
Information about Junior Secondary and the transition of Year 7 to secondary school, including information about staffing in 2015 is available from the OnePortal Flying Start web page and the Flying Start website at flyingstart.qld.gov.au
The website contains a collection of fact sheets and frequently asked questions for school staff.