1187: Constituency Questions
Kat Theophanous to the Minister for Education —
(1187) My question is to the Minister for Education, and it is shaped by my work experience student Greta Schumacher in year 10 at Thornbury High. How is the Victorian government supporting schools in my electorate to not only listen to student perspectives but embed student voices in school decisions and curriculum design? In schools across the inner north students are actively contributing ideas to improve their learning and wellbeing. They are leading sustainability projects, designing elective subjects, delivering professional learning to teachers, conceiving new peer-mentoring programs and more. Greta herself has shared with me the fantastic benefits when students are given voice – more confidence, more engagement, a stronger sense of belonging and shared responsibility, deeper collaboration and better educational outcomes. In Victoria we rightly emphasise student voice as a key enabler and provide resources to support this. Yet in practice it is inconsistent. On behalf of all students and what they have to offer, I look forward to hearing how our government is empowering them to shape their education.
Answer - 7 July 2025
I am advised as follows:
The Department of Education has a number of initiatives and resources in place to support student agency and leadership, including:
The Framework for Improving Student Outcomes (FISO 2.) that includes Engagement as one of five core elements that strengthen student outcomes. Engagement includes the “activation of student voice, agency, leadership and learning, including a focus on the self-determination and agency of Koorie students, to strengthen students’ participation and engagement in school”.
the Amplify guide and toolkit resources, providing practical examples, ideas and actions to enhance agency and leadership. The Amplify guide and toolkit helps teachers and students to work together to enhance students voice and participation in their school context.
Student representation on school councils. School councils at all Victorian government schools with a Year 7 cohort are required to include a student member.
In addition, the department collects feedback from students about their schooling experiences through the annual Student Attitudes to School Survey. This data provides schools with insights into students’ learning experiences, sense of safety, and wellbeing. This feedback is critical for guiding school improvement efforts and ensuring student voices inform strategic planning.
It is great to hear about Greta’s engagement with these important questions and I wish her all the best for her studies.
