Students buck trends
INDIGENOUS students in Warwick state schools have almost "closed the gap" when it comes to academic results, attendance rates and retention.
Education Queensland's Darling Downs and South West regional director Greg Dickman said there were some positive outcomes being achieved by indigenous students in Rose City state schools.
"Indigenous year 3 students at Warwick West State School achieved a higher Mean Scale Score (MSS) for writing than their non-indigenous counterparts," he said.
"Year 7 indigenous students at Warwick West State School achieved an MSS for writing which was above the national cohort for indigenous students.
"One hundred per cent of indigenous students at Warwick West State School achieved the national minimum standard in writing.
"At Warwick East State School the gap in MSS between indigenous and non-indigenous students in year 3 numeracy for 2011 was just seven MSS points."
Mr Dickman said data indicated attendance rates for indigenous students in Warwick state schools was higher than the regional and state levels.
Warwick East State School principal Warren Elder said the school had worked closely with its indigenous students.
"All indigenous students receive individual support, time with a teacher aide and the older students participate in an online learning program," Mr Elder said.
"We try to be positive and encourage all students."
The online program called "Ollie-up" connects the Rose City students with indigenous students from Roma and Glenvale in an online tutorial while getting directions from a tutor.
