Elsie Lange
Across the electorate of Macedon, 640 young people from the region’s state schools will benefit from the government’s Student Excellence Program, bolstering opportunities for high-achievers.
The program was designed to ensure high-ability students are given the chance to reach their full potential by challenging them – preventing disengagement from their studies.
The 2022-23 state budget invests a further $37 million to give those students access to programs that inspire them to extend themselves, as well as boosting schools’ capacity to deliver the extension programs.
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said the government had 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 Victorian kids achieve their full potential,” Ms Thomas said.
A government statement said the package includes $11.2 million to expand the Victorian High-Ability Program, supporting up to 57,000 government school kids in years five to eight to participate in extensive online programs across English and maths.
“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 government said.
“These activities include something for every student’s interests and talents – with programs in subjects as diverse as robotics, biomimicry, food sustainability, screenwriting, nutrition, app creation, philosophy and neuroscience.”
The package also delivers $15.3 million to schools for purchasing resources, developing new in-school initiatives or existing programs, and support schools to have a high ability practice leader to coordinate programs, identify and support high-achievers.
“Every government school in every corner of Victoria has access to the Student Excellence Program – making sure all our students’ talents, passions and achievements are supported and celebrated,” Ms Thomas said.
