Schools Plus

A class of children in navy blue and red school uniforms, sitting around a table guided by a teacher in a neatly organised wood workshop, as a part of the Schools Plus program.

Schools Plus provides funding to disadvantaged Australian schools to support evidence-informed and innovative projects that improve student outcomes. The two projects below will aim to significantly boost student engagement and achievement in STEM while recognising the vital role of teachers in ensuring children thrive at school.

Sustaining STEM at Ipswich State High School, Queensland

  • Addressing equity gaps in STEM education by boosting student engagement and achievement in STEM learning by upskilling teachers through the STEMPunk program.

  • Involving 50 students from Years 9 and 10, and 10 teachers who will, through design thinking methodology design solutions to problems.

  • Solutions will be presented to industry and parents at a STEM open afternoon.

STEM Transition Cluster initiative at Valley View Secondary, South Australia

  • The project will include understanding the issues in transition from primary to secondary school, then developing STEM curriculum and projects with industry that engage with students and help them in their transitions.

  • It is hoped that the STEM focus will improve transition outcomes for students from primary to secondary school while strengthening relationships and professional learning between primary and secondary teachers across four schools.

  • Valley View has a small student population of 361, with more than half of the families coming from low socio-economic backgrounds. The project will benefit 200 students and 17 teachers in the first year (Years 6/7) and 400 parents/community who will be able to participate and witness the learnings.


The ‘Schools Plus’ logo, featuring ‘Schools Plus’ in dark grey, to the right of which sits the symbol for addition, comprising four right-angles, one green, one red, one blue and one yellow.

About Schools Plus

Schools Plus empower teachers and school leadership teams with funding and resources to help them create sustainable change for their students

  • Our purpose is to close the education gap caused by disadvantage.

  • Our vision is that all young Australians reach their potential through access to a great education.

  • Our mission is to facilitate sustainable change to help children facing disadvantage succeed at school.