More high-ability students at every government school in Bendigo East will have support to excel at school and reach their full potential, with more funding for the Andrews Labor Government’s Student Excellence Program.
Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan today welcomed this initiative which encourages local students to challenge themselves through learning from a more personalised program.
The Victorian Budget 2022/23 invests an extra $37 million to make sure high-achieving students at every school have access to programs that extend themselves – and to boost the capacity of schools and teachers to deliver these extension programs and support every student to achieve their best.
The package includes $11.2 million to expand the Victorian High-Ability Program, supporting up to 57,000 government school students in Years 5 to 8 to participate in intensive online extension and enrichment programs across English and mathematics – opening the program up to an extra 9,000 high-achieving students statewide.
A further $6.4 million will continue the successful Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series – delivering engaging extension activities and excursions for 100,000 students from Prep to Year 12 who are performing a year or more ahead of the expected curriculum through universities, tech schools and other expert education organisations.
The package will also deliver $15.3 million directly to schools to purchase resources, develop new in-school initiatives or continue existing high-ability programs and support every school to have a High-Ability Practice Leader, coordinating programs and identifying and supporting high-achieving students.
The Student Excellence Program was designed to ensure advanced and high-ability students are empowered to reach their full potential by challenging them – making sure they are not at risk of disengaging from their education.
Quote attributable to Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan
“We’ve built a public school system that works for every student – whether they need more support with their learning, or to be pushed to extend themselves, we’re making sure all Greater Bendigo students achieve their full potential.”
“Every government school in every corner of our community has access to the Student Excellence Program – making sure all our students’ talents, passions and achievements are supported and celebrated.”