Windaroo Valley State High School

Location: Logan City, Queensland

How has Windaroo Valley State High School has used Gonski funding

Windaroo Valley State High School used the Gonski funding to enhance student learning outcomes in a number of ways. First, to extend students with the additional provision of extension classes. Extra resources have been purchased to challenge our very best students to continue to achieve at the highest levels. Second, we’ve implemented a world class reading intervention program, for approximately 50 students, who have difficulties with reading. This program utilises Direct Instruction to ensure that students learn essential reading skills in a very systematic manner. This program achieves two months increase in reading age for every month in the program. Australian and international educational research confirms the success of this program. Finally, we’ve utilised the funding to develop expertise in teachers to better teach students how to comprehend texts. Reading comprehension is critical for success all the way through high school in every subject. This is above and beyond what the school could have provided prior to the Gonski funding.

How Gonski funding has made a difference for students

The additional funding has made a significant difference allowing better catering for the wide range of students we work with. Being able to develop new programs, provide additional resources and extend the expertise of teachers has made a significant improvement to school results. Students are more engaged, attendance is higher and results are steadily improving. The community’s confidence in our school has also increased.

What Windaroo Valley State High School could do with Gonski funding in the future

Windaroo Valley State High School aims to continue to grow and support these programs started under Gonski to achieve great outcomes for our students. To maintain these programs over a period of time will produce even better and importantly, sustained results, especially in literacy and numeracy skills. The school is on a positive trajectory thanks to the Gonski funding.