Secondary
The
AEC Secondary Incentive Scholarship Scheme started in 2003 with
Scholarships given to 30 students in targetted schools in the state.
The idea of the scheme was to give incentive to students to progress
further and positively at secondary school with improved attendance,
learning and retention. Originally the scheme was proposed to cover
Years 8 and 9 only but improved access to funding into Year 10 in 2005.
The findings of the recent Review of Aboriginal Education by the DET
and AECG supports this decision as it clearly indicates that attendance
and retention of Aboriginal students in Years 7 to 10 remain
significant problems.Therefore, in 2005 the AEC is supporting 85 students through the Secondary Incentive Scholarship Scheme. We have lost a small number of students going into Year 10 mainly through transfers interstate, but the positive comments from the schools regarding the value of the support given to the students by the scholarships clearly indicate that the AEC is meeting a need.
A major feature of the scheme has been the positive support of the schools. The principals and staff of the schools have done much to increase the morale and self-esteem of the students, have guided the expenditure of the scholarship towards educational needs and supported the administration of the scheme by providing comments on student progress. Of special mention is the number os schools that have reported increased positive communication between the school and the student's parents and carers through the scheme. This is especially evident by the schools inviting parents and carers to meet the AEC's representative when he/she visits the school to meet and encourage the students and to present the scholarship certificates.
Funding for the AEC Secondary Incentive Scholarship Scheme for 2005 has come from the Jo Pender Trust, Rooty Hill RSL Club, the Sisters of Charity, Perpetual Trustees, Norman Catts Trust Fund, Dubbo West Bowling Club and the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation. This support is much appreciated as without it, the AEC would not be able to continue with this much needed scheme.
Of particular note are some of the comments received from principals, schools and students.........
From principals and schools:
"......continues to make excellent progress and his work with the Student Representative Council is appreciated."
"......has made a fantastic effort this year and is to be congratulated. His teachers are very impressed with his dedication this year."
"The scholarships have been a positive incentive for students to participate at a higher lever."
"......has adopted significant leadership roles in the school. The support has been appreciated."
From students:
"All my teachers were happy with my efforts and progress this year."
"I maintained my position in the top ten of the year across all subjects."
"I think that I did better this year because of the scholarship."
"It was the best school year I have had."
"I became more involved in studies - gained first place in standard mathematics."
"I don't think I did my best, but I will do my best next year."
"I think I did a good. Art has been my best area. I just did my yearlies and I think I got good marks for next year's classes. I've had fun too."
"Myself and my family are very thankful for your support this year. The money will help out with school equipment and uniform costs and I'm sure this will enable me to take part in a lot more school activities and excursions."
The AEC wishes to sincerely thank the school principals and staff involved for their support of the scholarship program, for their support of the students, their feedback to the AEC on student progress and for their positive responses to the AEC.
Bill Muir
Chairman
Secondary Incentive Scholarship Program