Queensland’s leading state schools have been honoured at the 21st annual Showcase Awards for Excellence in Schools via a livestream video with Logan schools taking out some top spots.

Education Minister Grace Grace said it was important to celebrate educational excellence in Queensland state schools, despite the COVID-19 restrictions changing things up for this year’s event.

“The Showcase Awards is the state’s most prestigious awards program for state school education, recognising and rewarding innovation in teaching and leadership practice across Queensland for the past 21 years,” Ms Grace said.

“I am very pleased to say the calibre of submissions and finalists was simply outstanding once again this year, with entries from right across the state.

“All of our winners and finalists should be incredibly proud of all they have achieved to enhance students’ learning experiences and advance Queensland’s future through quality public education.

“I’d particularly like to congratulate you all, given the unique circumstances that have transpired since Term 2.”

Ms Grace said that as well as rewarding outstanding state school teachers and principals, the awards recognise schools for delivering innovative programs that lift the standards of education and educational outcomes.

“Queensland state schools have continued to do inspirational work whilst maintaining the key priority of improving student outcomes.

“Today’s award recipients are clear examples of this dedication and adaptability.”

Ms Grace said this year’s award recipients, along with the state and regional finalists, had shared in up to $335,000 of development grant funding.

“The awards program reiterates the high quality of education available to students in Queensland’s state education system and demonstrates that our state school students are part of a world class education system,” Ms Grace said.

“In 2020, 93 award submissions were received from Queensland state schools, involving more than 63,000 students.”

Ms Grace acknowledged the generous support of the Showcase Awards sponsors.

“We couldn’t deliver this important program without the wonderful support of our sponsors,” she said.

The 2020 Showcase Awards sponsors and partners were – CQUniversity Australia, Education Queensland International; Griffith University; Network 10; QSuper; Queensland Teachers’ Union; RemServ; Teachers Mutual Bank and TUH Health Fund.

The Network 10 Showcase Award for Excellence in the Early and Primary Years
Winner: Berrinba East State School, Building Children’s Oral Language through Connections—Kindergarten to Prep Transition
Commendation: Pimpama State Primary College, Accelerating Achievement Across P-6
Commendation: Beenleigh State School, Engagement in Learning

The QSuper Showcase Award for Excellence in the Secondary Years
Winner: Beenleigh State High School, Beenleigh READiness—rise through reading
Commendation: Kingston State College, Growth STEMs From Here

The CQUniversity Australia Showcase Award for Excellence in Inclusive Education
Winner: Browns Plains State High School, Supporting Diverse Learning Needs
Commendation: Pimpama State School, Pimpama State School: A Model of Excellence and Equity

The Queensland Teachers’ Union Showcase Award for Excellence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education
Commendation: Jimboomba State School, Aunty Penny Taylor
Commendation: Mabel Park State School, Our Deliberate Focus

The Griffith University Jack Pizzey Award for Excellence in School Leadership
Winner: Beenleigh State High School, Matthew O’Hanlon—Leadership through Empowerment
Commendation: Browns Plains State High School, Blair Hanna (Principal Browns Plains State High School)

The Bevan Brennan ‘Every Child Needs a Champion’ Award
Winner: Miami State High School, Pioneers in Deaf Access and Inclusion
Commendation: Browns Plains State High School, Attitude to Learning Framework
Commendation: Loganlea State High School, Awakening Mibany

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