Government schools will each receive a share of a $1.09 billion fund next year for educational resources and student support, including targeted literacy and numeracy programs, teacher training, and additional speech pathologists.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Education Minister Rob Stokes and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres announced the government’s needs-based funding for 2018, an increase of about $80 million, or 8 per cent, on 2017.
The funding method, known as the Resource Allocation Model, funds schools based on student need.
“This needs-based funding is making a real difference to the outcomes of students at the local level,” Ms Berejiklian said
“This funding allows schools to develop programs that address academic and well-being needs identified in their schools,” she said.
The funding for 2018 was announced today at Samuel Terry Public School, in Cranebrook, where resourcing has assisted the school
The $548,968 the school received through needs-based funding this year employed 11 additional staff to assist students with learning difficulties. It also purchased 137 iPads and 20 laptops, and contributed to staff training in areas such as coding and robotics. A hands-on science program develops problem solving and creativity skills. These measures have led to improved NAPLAN results.
Mr Stokes said the 2018 needs-based funding increase was additional to funding announced last month under the Schools Leadership Strategy to enable employment of extra support staff so principals could focus on educational leadership.
“The combination of funding increases and changes will enable schools to sharpen their focus on catering for the specific academic and wellbeing needs of their individual students,” Mr Stokes said.
Mr Ayres, Member for Penrith, said he was delighted so see the funding produce such wonderful results for students in the Penrith community.
“Every school will develop its own plan to spend the funding in consultation with their local community,” Mr Ayres said.
The equity loadings under the needs-based funding include the socio-economic profile of students, Aboriginal student numbers, English language proficiency and disability.
High schools with significantly increased funding for 2018 include Ballina Coast High School (2018 total RAM funding of $1.46 million), Lurnea High School ($2.25 million), Georges River College Oatley Senior Campus ($1.02 million), Holroyd High School ($2.13 million) and Marsden High School ($1.15 million).
Primary schools with big increases include Oran Park Public School ($840,000), Smithfield Public School ($1.33 million), Muswellbrook South Public School ($1.87 million), Casula Public School ($1.40 million) and Casino Public School ($1.81 million).
In 2017 literacy and numeracy support initiatives were among the most commonly funded programs while many schools also invested in additional staff to assist students with disabilities. Other popular measures included software applications, homework clubs, breakfast programs and pre-school playgroups to assist in transition to school.
Read the full list of funding here.
