Review reveals run-down state of Gilmore College, in Premier Roger Cook’s electorate

A scathing review of the only public secondary school in Roger Cook’s Kwinana electorate has revealed Gilmore College is in dire need of improvement, with deteriorating classrooms disrupted by poor behaviour. The report — commissioned by an Education Department regional director — also found teaching quality was inconsistent, attendance was declining, and staff morale was low. Obtained under freedom of information laws, the “environmental scan” costing $27,000 was completed in July, two months after the Premier condemned the actions of adults who barged into the school to intervene in a student fight as “completely inappropriate”. Other documents obtained under FOI reveal that concerns about student safety and community unrest were raised earlier in the year. “The gist is that Gilmore College is in crisis at a number of levels,” a senior Education Department officer wrote to explain why a review had been requested. Gilmore College opened in 2008, the same year Mr Cook was first elected to the seat of Kwinana. It was built at a cost of $26 million as a replacement for the former Kwinana Senior High School. The report said even though the school held “significant cash reserves”, funds were not being directed towards key priorities such as reducing class sizes or student support. “Facilities have not been adequately maintained, with no current replacement schedules in place,” it said. “Many classrooms are in a poor state, compromising the quality of the learning environment.” Problems included torn flyscreens, bubbled and peeling window tint and broken door locks. The report said a detailed facilities plan was “urgently required” to restore classrooms to a condition to support focused learning. “This includes the removal of graffiti, replacement of damaged carpets and renewal of worn furniture,” it said. “Classroom furniture has not been systematically replaced, resulting in a decline in overall classroom standards. There has been no scheduled replacement of technology and enterprise equipment, resulting in much of it falling into disrepair. “The current CCTV system at Gilmore College is outdated and inadequate, with multiple non-functioning cameras and significant blind spots.” Data in the report revealed that only 34 per cent of students attended school regularly, or more than 90 per cent of the time. It also showed more than 200 students — or about 20 per cent — were suspended each year from 2022. “An average suspension rate of approximately one in five students over this four-year period highlights the need for ongoing efforts to reduce behavioural incidents that result in suspension,” the report said. Ongoing disruption, inconsistent behaviour management and a lack of tailored instruction methods had also contributed to low levels of academic achievement. “Some staff seem to be only focused on the ‘good students’, allowing others to disengage, disrupt and avoid learning,” the report said. “School culture has been affected by declining expectations, fragmented relationships and low staff morale.” Mr Cook said he regularly visited the school and knew how important it was to the local community. “We all want to see the school and its students succeed,” he said. “I have met with the new principal and I’m confident the important work already underway will continue to make sure Gilmore College provides the best possible outcomes for students. “I would like to acknowledge the hardworking school staff and I have the utmost respect for their efforts.” Education Minister Sabine Winton said the school had made significant progress since last year. “This work has included the implementation of a whole-school student behaviour policy, establishment of a Gilmore College P&C Association to strengthen parent involvement, and development and implementation of a professional learning plan for staff,” she said. “There have been several infrastructure upgrades to the school, including the refurbishment of three classrooms, painting of the gymnasium, upgrades to design and technology equipment, improved connectivity across the campus and upgraded CCTV monitoring.” Shadow education minister Liam Staltari said the most recent building condition report for schools had revealed an extensive list of maintenance defects, including 37 for Gilmore College. “It’s clear that no school is immune to this government’s track record of neglect — even those in Roger Cook’s own electorate,” he said. “Recent days have laid bare the shocking maintenance failures in our hospitals and sadly that same neglect is hitting our schools.”