Teachers appeal for help with violence running rampant among senior students

Teachers in Tasmania’s colleges are being assaulted, threatened and stalked in increasing numbers amid a rise in anti-social behaviour by students.

SCCOM representatives Peta-Maree Revell-Cook and James Broad are concerned about violence in colleges. Picture: Linda Higginson

Teachers in Tasmania’s colleges are being been assaulted, threatened and stalked in increasing numbers amid a rise in anti-social behaviour by students.

The Australian Education Union has called on the Education Department to urgently expand alternative education programs to support the most disengaged students years 11 and 12.

College teachers and other staff have reported dangerous incidents, including staff being pinned up against a door, smacked about the head, spat on, physically assaulted, verbally assaulted, and receiving death threats.

The Education Department offers four levels of support for student, the highest, Tier 4 offers extensive support for students who are not suitable for a mainstream classroom environment.

Tier 4 program providers are currently only funded to support students in Years 7-10, despite strong need in colleges and in primary schools, the union says.

Deputy president of SCCOM Peta-Maree Revell-Cook is concerned about violence in colleges. Picture: Linda Higginson

College teacher Peta-Maree Revel-Cook said other students were also being subject to violence and abuse from peers with unaddressed behaviour problems.

“We are very concerned that students excluded from school and engaged in a Tier 4 program at the end of Year 10 are automatically returning to campus-based learning in Year 11, potentially even in the same school, despite known risks to the safety and wellbeing of other students and staff,” she said.

“Making attendance compulsory to the end of Year 12 needs to be backed by funding for programs that ensure disengaged students can still learn without endangering the safety of others.”

President of SCCOM James Broad is worried about violence in colleges. Picture: Linda Higginson

Teacher and AEU Tasmania Colleges President James Broad called on the government to urgently fund Tier 4 programs for disengaged students in colleges.

“Teachers are passionate about ensuring every child’s right to an education is fulfilled, but we cannot be safe or ensure the safety of other students without adequate resources and specialised programs in place, right through to the end of Year 12.”

“Students entering Year 11 who may have been excluded in Year 10, can be more physically mature and intimidating to some staff, presenting with volatile behaviour, especially if drug affected.”

“The education minister’s claim that education budget cuts will not affect schools rings hollow when it is off-campus programs that we need and additional investment in out-of-school support that our students urgently require,” he said.”

Minister for Education Jo Palmer said: “violence and bullying have no place in our schools”.

“We are committed to ensuring all schools, including colleges, are safe places for all staff and students.

”Our schools have a range of programs and initiatives in place to support staff, students and families so they feel safe at all schools.

“Support is provided for students impacted by trauma with our government investing $24 million allowing schools to put targeted interventions and supports in place for students impacted by trauma.

“There are dedicated teams that focus on ensuring quality support for every student at the level they require.”

Originally published as Teachers appeal for help with violence running rampant among senior students