- Published:
- Wednesday 23 October 2019
High ability students at all Victorian primary and secondary schools will be supported to strive for excellence with extension programs through a $60.2 million investment by the Andrews Labor Government.
Acting Premier and Minister for Education James Merlino and Member for Pascoe Vale Lizzie Blandthorn today visited Strathmore Secondary College to announce the Student Excellence Program which includes opportunities for almost 150,000 of students and teacher resources so high ability students can excel in all classrooms.
The package includes $10.1 million to deliver the Victorian High Ability Program, which will cater for up to 48,000 high ability students across years 5 to 8 to enrol in 10-week intensive program through Virtual School Victoria, followed by a face-to-face masterclass in their local area with neighbouring schools.
Up to 100,000 Victorian students will have access to a series of extension opportunities, including with universities, Tech Schools and partner organisations such as the CSIRO, NGV, Zoos Victoria and regional galleries, due to a $5.5 million investment.
Government Schools will receive $40.4 million in resources to stretch their brightest students. As a part of this, every state school will have access to a High Ability Practice Leader, who will coordinate the school’s program for high ability students. This will be a new role for existing teachers.
The Government examined local and international best practice, and consulted a range of key stakeholders, including principals, on the design of the initiatives in the Student Excellence Program.
There will also be a $1.2 million injection of funds to provide teachers with online professional learning and a toolkit of evidence-based resources.
Not challenging high ability students leaves them at risk of disengaging from their education and not reaching their full potential.
The Labor Government is getting on with building the Education State so that every student can access a great local school and a quality education, no matter where they live.
Quote attributable to Acting Premier and Minister for Education James Merlino
“All primary and secondary state schools will benefit from the Student Excellence Program. This means that parents can be assured that no matter which school their child attends, there will be a program to push and extend high ability students.”
Quote attributable to Member for Pascoe Vale Lizzie Blandthorn
“This will make it easier for teachers to support the brightest students in their classroom. It will see one in ten students, across Years 5 to 8 be supported to extend themselves educationally.”
Quote attributable to Member for Essendon Danny Pearson
“Students from across Victoria will benefit from these programs. It means students will be challenged and given new educational opportunities to learn and reach their potential.”