Tutor Learning Initiative

The 2020 school year was an extraordinary and challenging one for every school community and Ballarat High School was no different. 

Many students spent much of Terms 2 and 3 learning from home. While teachers aimed to provide continuity of teaching and learning to our students during this time, it was challenging.

This year we have been focusing on assessing student learning, addressing individual learning gaps and identifying those students who need extra support for their learning, using classroom-based observation and formal assessments such as PAT reading, Maths and On-demand.

We know that the remote learning experience was different for every student. While some students thrived, some students may not have engaged as fully with remote learning. For most of our students, regular high-quality teaching in 2021 will be enough to help them progress to the expected level of learning. Some students however will benefit from additional intensive learning support for a period of time in 2021. 

In response to this, the Victorian Government is investing $250 million in the Tutor Learning Initiative to enable schools across Victoria to engage around 4,100 teachers as tutors in 2021, to support students who need extra assistance with their learning in Literacy and Numeracy. Schools will determine how this initiative is best implemented for their students and will ensure that students will get this support in a way that minimises disruptions to other learning or school activities.

At Ballarat High School we have identified many students as eligible for support based on the criteria above. These students will be interviewed and given an offer of tutoring. This tutoring will be tailored to the needs of the student and will be in small groups of 5 or in class support. This is not intended to disrupt students scheduled classes where possible. Tutoring has commenced with year 12 and other year levels will follow. 

For further information contact Jessica Sargeant at ballarat.hs@education.vic.gov.au

Jessica Sargeant 

Associate Principal - Teaching and Learning