$15 million to revitalise education in Tasmania
Image Caption: (L-R) Paul Ramsay Foundation CEO Simon Freemam, Beacon Chairman Greg Woolley and Beacon CEO Scott Harris at today’s announcement.
Media Release
Wednesday 1 June 2016
$15 million to revitalise education in Tasmania
The Beacon Foundation, Paul Ramsay Foundation and Tasmanian Government today announced a partnership that will pilot a change to the way young Tasmanians are educated.
In one of the largest private investments in public education in Australia, the five-year project is funded by a $10 million commitment from Paul Ramsay Foundation, Australia’s largest philanthropic group, along with a $5 million co-contribution from the Tasmanian Government.
Building on the long term success of Beacon’s national education model, the initiative will directly increase resourcing for Tasmanian schools with a higher level of disadvantaged students. The project will focus on collaborative education, where businesses, parents and educators work together to provide relevant and engaging education.
Beacon CEO Scott Harris believes this announcement is a fantastic opportunity to address the issue of poor educational attainment in Tasmania. “We need a system that connects young people to the world outside the classroom, with more opportunities for students to develop ideas about themselves and what they want to do,” Mr Harris said. “With an approach that complements the existing My Education program, that’s built on a strong evidence base, trained and supported staff and substantial funding, we believe we can help at least 90% of students at the schools involved in the project successfully complete year 12.”
“We are delighted to be part of this partnership with Beacon and the Tasmanian Government,” said Paul Ramsay Foundation CEO Simon Freeman. “Paul Ramsay was a huge believer that a good education can empower and equip young people for success, which is why it forms one of the key areas of focus for the Foundation today. As an organisation we have been looking to invest in proven models that help drive systemic change across education and inspires young people to fulfil their potential and we see Beacon as an ideal model for this.”
Beacon Chairman Greg Woolley said, “Beacon is honoured to have received the support of the Paul Ramsay Foundation and Tasmanian Government to pilot this collaborative education model. Mr Ramsay was a remarkable Australian and I have no doubt that he would see this project as being particularly beneficial to young Tasmanians. We also appreciate the significant commitment of the Tasmanian Government, particularly of Premier Hodgman, Deputy Premier Rockliff and Minister Groom, in seeking to enhance the learning opportunities available to Tasmanian students.”
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Beacon Foundation
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