- Published:
- Wednesday 28 June 2017
The Andrews Labor Government’s massive funding boost to Ararat schools that need it most is reaping strong results.
Minister for Education James Merlino visited Ararat Primary School today to see first-hand how equity funding has made a real difference.
In 2015 the Labor Government announced a huge increase to equity funding, which took effect from 2016. It provides additional resources and expertise to get the best out of students who need more support.
The $566 million increase over four years is designed to break the cycle of disadvantage and stop students disengaging from school and giving up on their studies.
More than 2,800 staff have been added to Victorian government schools since the funding boost, including 1,600 teachers and 1,200 support staff such as speech pathologists, literacy and numeracy coaches and social workers.
This funding is improving the lives of students across Victoria. Schools are introducing programs to help students catch up in literacy and numeracy and offering electives such as coding and music to keep kids engaged in school.
The funding has allowed Ararat Primary to employ a speech therapist to run programs with children, teachers and parents. With the help of fun programs at home, parents are getting more involved in their children’s learning.
“It doesn’t become something that isolates the children or makes them stand out. They become confident and comfortable in their environment,” teacher Terri Dalgleish says.
Research shows the link between disadvantage and low levels of school achievement, with some students facing barriers to success from day one at school. The Labor Government is levelling the playing field, putting education funding where it’s needed most – adding teachers and support staff to government schools across Victoria.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino
“We want every child in every school to have the opportunity to fulfil their potential. A child’s school results should not be restricted by their background.”
“This funding is making a real difference – transforming the lives of children across Victoria and boosting the numbers of teachers and support staff.”
Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford
“Our funding boost to help students who need it most is giving schools like Ararat Primary the resources they need to give our kids the best possible education.”
Quote attributable to Ararat Primary School Acting Principal Adrian Pilgrim
“The funding has enabled us to run intervention programs that help bridge the gap for students who face learning challenges and barriers to achieving success. It is helping to fast track their progress.”