Close the Gap

735 Ms BEDFORD (Florey) (26 August 2021). What steps are being taken to Close the Gap for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to complete year 12 or equivalent qualifications?

The Hon. J.A.W. GARDNER (Morialta—Minister for Education): I have been advised of the following:

The South Australian Aboriginal Education Strategy 2019-2029 outlines how the Department for Education is improving the education outcomes for Aboriginal children and young people, whether in the early years, throughout their schooling, or as they embark on pathways to further education and employment.

The strategy includes implementation of the Aboriginal Learner Achievement Resource which requires school leaders to specifically address the learning needs of each Aboriginal child in literacy and numeracy, while continuing to build a culturally responsive approach for each learner.

The following targeted programs or initiatives are available to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in government schools to facilitate the completion of high school:

The Enter for Success Program is available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who are starting primary or secondary school in the following year. The program gives Aboriginal students the opportunity to enrol and be accepted into any government school they nominate the year before starting school.

Dame Roma Mitchell Scholarships provide financial support for Aboriginal students undertaking studies in years 11 and 12 to complete the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE). Scholarship winners receive $2,000 over two years ($500 per semester over years 11 and 12). In 2020, nine scholarships were awarded across the state.

Amy Levai Teaching Scholarships support senior secondary students on track to commence initial teacher education and students enrolled in an initial teacher education program. In 2020, 34 students were supported through the program including four senior secondary students.

Clontarf school-based academies provide a boys-only program embedded in identified school sites, using sport and other activities to build school and community engagement. A feature of the program has been Clontarf's work in supporting post school transitions and pathways. The program currently operates in Ocean View P-12 College, Port Augusta Secondary School, Port Lincoln High School, Whyalla, Coober Pedy Area School, Paralowie School and Salisbury High School. At the end of 2020, there were 203 students enrolled from year 4 to 12 with 18 students achieving their SACE. These numbers are intended to grow as the Coober Pedy, Paralowie and Salisbury academies all opened this year.

South Australian Aboriginal Secondary Training Academy (SAASTA) provides Aboriginal school students with a sporting and educational program through locally established academies. The academies work with school leaders and local communities across South Australia to provide students the specialist support programs in the areas of sport, education, employment, healthy living and connection with culture. Both male and female students in years 10, 11 and 12 who are studying for SACE can apply to join SAASTA. There are 26 SAASTA locations across the state. At the end of 2020, there were 477 students enrolled in SAASTA with 109 students achieving their SACE.

The Workabout program provides a range of programs and services to support Aboriginal students transition from school to work, higher education or further training. The program is targeted to students in year 10-12. At the end of 2020, there were 379 students enrolled across year 7 to 12, with 65 students achieving their SACE.

In 2020, 12 applicants accepted offers for Flexible Traineeship Education Support Placements. Due to COVID-19 impacts the traineeships were deferred to commence in 2021.

The Shooting Stars Academy commenced in Term 3, 2021 in three Whyalla Partnership Schools. This is a targeted initiative to establish Aboriginal girls (netball) academies to further support student engagement, retention and achievement. The Shooting Stars Academy, delivered by the Glass Jars Foundation, will be delivered in all Whyalla Partnership Schools by 2023.