Student Resource Package – Targeted Initiatives

Student Excellence Program Funding (Reference 120)

Student Excellence Program funding supports schools to implement the Student Excellence Program (SEP).

The SEP includes:

• structured learning extension programs for high-ability students
• professional learning for classroom teachers to better support their high-ability students
• more resources for government schools to build their programs for high-ability students.

Schools can decide how to use the funding allocation to best meet the needs of their high-ability students. Schools may also pool funds, for example to collaborate with other schools to deliver masterclasses. Many schools are already running programs for high-ability students, and this funding can be used to support these programs.

Eligibility

Schools are not required to apply for funding. All eligible schools will receive a SEP funding allocation through the Student Resource Package (SRP) to support the implementation of the initiative in their school. Eligible school types include:

• Primary
• Secondary
• Primary/Secondary combined
• Special schools (by request only)*

School types and specific schools that are not eligible for SEP funding include:

• English language schools
• camp/outdoor schools
• selective entry high schools
• John Monash Science School
• Victoria College of the Arts Secondary School
• The Victorian School of Languages
• The Centre for Higher Education Studies

*Special schools are eligible however will not automatically receive funding. Special schools can submit a request to the Student Excellence Unit for consideration to support their identified high ability student cohort.

Funding is calculated at the Indicative, Confirmed and Revised cycles. Funding is allocated through credit and cash funding.

Funding

SEP funding is allocated based on the number of student enrolments in Victorian government primary and secondary schools as counted for February 28 census.

Schools will receive a per school allocation related to their cohort size categorisation.

Use of SEP funding

Schools will make local decisions as to how the SEP funding allocation will be used to best meet the needs of their high-ability students. For example, the funding may be used for:

• appointment of a High-Ability Practice Leader to support Student Excellence Program initiatives
• attending high ability professional learning activities including the use of Casual Relief Teachers
• delivering masterclasses for students in the Victorian High-Ability Program
• participating in Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series activities/events
• other programs for high-ability students
• student transport costs to access extension program events
• co-ordination time for high-ability programs
• parent information evenings
• guest speakers for high-ability students
• classroom resources for extension activities.

Targeted SEP funding operates within a capped budget. This means that cohort allocations may be adjusted up or down depending on both changes in total enrolments from all schools and the spread of these enrolments across cohorts.

Accountability

Schools are responsible for using the funds within the guidelines provided by the department – refer to the Resources tab.

Schools must code any expenditure of SEP funding to the sub-program code 8502 in CASES21.

Where a school uses SEP funding to either employ a high-ability practice leader, make a special payment or support the release of a teacher, this expense will be managed through eduPay and will not appear in the CASES21 ledger.

More information

• Student Excellence Program
• Contact: student.excellence@education.vic.gov.au