Loganlea State High School

Location: Brisbane, Queensland

Loganlea has around 600 students, most of whom are from low-income backgrounds. Approximately 80 students (13 per cent) identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander. Another 10 per cent of students are from non-English-speaking backgrounds and need English language support. Loganlea has a purpose-built Special Education Program facility catering for its students with disabilities.

How Loganlea State High School has used additional needs-based funding

Loganlea has received around $620,000 in additional funding between 2014–16. Its starting point for improving literacy and numeracy and NAPLAN results was to develop individual learning plans for all low-performing Years 7, 8 and 9 students using a range of evidence-based programs. New specialist positions have been created and all teachers of Years 7, 8 and 9 have received professional development. Additional teacher aides have been employed and trained, as well as learning support teachers working with students who need intensive support. Loganlea has also invested substantially in quality new teaching and learning resources.

In the senior years, the school has been able to provide greater support for students in order to improve successful completion of the QCE and improve students’ post-school further education, training or employment options.

A new engagement team and engagement officer positions have been created to improve student attendance rates and increase student engagement in their schooling.

How additional funding has made a difference for students

Principal Belinda Tregea says the benefits to the school have been remarkable. While money doesn’t fix the problem of educational disadvantage, needs-based resourcing in the form of skilled, quality staff and evidenced-based programs has made a proven difference to the students over the past three years. We have been able to improve attendance and personalise education programs to meet the diverse needs of our students. There has been a significant decrease in school disciplinary absences, improvements in literacy and numeracy outcomes and excellent senior school outcomes such as higher retention rates and 100 per cent of our Year 12 students achieving their Queensland Certificate of Education and one or more Vocational Education Training certificates.

What the continuation of additional needs-based funding would mean to Loganlea State High School

Ms Tregea says that when the issues faced by students include poor rates of attendance, poverty and health issues as well as behavioural and academic challenges, the ability for schools to employ additional specialist staff to support our students to access school and learning makes a tangible difference. “Our student performance and attainment data has shown a steady trajectory of improvement over the past three years and we are well placed to continue these successes with additional trained staff supporting our staff and students if additional funding continues. Site-based solutions and needs-based resourcing are the keys to redressing the educational disadvantage associated with a child's low-SES postcode.”