Case Study

Positive Wellbeing

Five years ago, almost every second student at Para Hills High School in Adelaide did not complete their schooling.

img

Five years ago, almost every second student at Para Hills High School in Adelaide did not complete their schooling.

But in a remarkable turnaround, by last year almost all (97%) finished Year 12. What’s made the difference is a relentless focus on creating positive wellbeing for "every teacher, every student, every minute of the day", says principal Alina Page.

Para Hills has worked hard to understand the school community's needs and find strategies to address them.

"For example, lots of students arrive with negative perceptions of schooling that often come from home. So, we do a lot of work to build connections with the families.

"Before the students arrive in Year 7, we've already had multiple connections with them, and their families have had a positive engagement with school," says Page.

Most of the students are from low socioeconomic backgrounds and many suffer severe disadvantage that affects their ability to learn. But funding for extra care and support is "meagre", says Page.

With more funds Page could offer small group tuition, an evidence-based approach proven to have the highest impact on disengaged learners, and work more closely with parents to help them engage with their children’s education.

It’s an investment that would benefit students, families and the country.

"Our goal is to raise aspirations and break the cycle of poverty," Page says.

Up Next

img

Case Study

Additional Support Makes a Difference

One of the most disengaged students at Colac Primary School in western Victoria has become one of its best performers in maths, thanks to an intensive program to help him pick up the skills he missed during the pandemic.

CONTINUE READING

A BETTER FUTURE FOR EVERY CHILD

Full funding of public schools is the best investment we could make for our future. Together, let us join forces and make sure every child gets every opportunity to succeed.

SIGN UP NOW