Homework centres open across state within weeks

New after-school homework centres will provide supervised learning for students at certain Queensland state schools. See our list of locations.

After-school homework centres will open at 120 state schools across Queensland within weeks as part of an $8m pledge to ease pressure on families and improve student education outcomes.

The after-school centres will provide supervised learning environments for students, with homework tailored according to the age and needs of participants.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the new centres would open up progressively during the next term at schools from Thursday Island to the Gold Coast and west to Thargomindah.

“Homework is a very important part of every child’s education, but it can be a challenge for busy families at the end of the day,” she said.

“Our new free homework centres will provide a supportive, supervised environment for students to complete their homework before they go home for the day.

“Children can build good study habits and families can spend quality time together without any pressure to supervise homework.”

Rochedale State High School students Jake Elias and Imogen Smith in The Hub. Picture: Richard Walker

Ms Palaszczuk said the dedicated homework centres – for which a full list is available on the Education Department’s website – would also assist parents who needed more flexible working arrangements as the state recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Families can register their child in the program by contacting their school.

The State Government will invest $8m over four years to fund the 120 centres in state primary and secondary schools.

Education Minister Grace Grace said the centres would operate for up to three hours per week, 30 weeks each year, during school term time.

“Students will do their homework under the supervision of on-site teacher-aides,” she said.

“Each participating school will plan their homework centre sessions around the age and learning and development needs of the students attending.”

Students who attend the centres will also be provided a healthy snack.

Queensland Education Minister Grace Grace speaks during Question Time at Parliament House. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dan Peled

“These centres will provide the help students need that their hardworking parents and carers may not have the time or expertise to provide at the end of the day,” Ms Grace said.

“These new centres will make a real difference in children’s education and the everyday lives of many Queensland families.”

Earlier this year schools applied to access a homework centre, with applications assessed against criteria including services already available, capacity at the school and local needs.

This month the government revealed 300 new classrooms across more than 35 different schools would be built in a major state budget injection for Queensland children worth $541m.

The commitment came on top of $1bn for 10 new schools that will be built to cater for new-growth communities.

“We are providing new infrastructure, new teachers and new programs such as after school homework centres to ensure every child gets a world-class education, no matter where they live,” Ms Grace said.