An analysis of applications for the inaugural NAB Schools First awards reveals almost all (98 per cent) of the 801 applications for an Impact Award made by primary and secondary schools from around Australia in 2009 were said to have benefited students.

ACER has analysed the rich database of information provided by schools in their applications to learn more about why schools are forming partnerships with business and community groups, the kinds of partnerships being formed, and the impact these partnerships are having in improving outcomes for students.

ACER chief executive Professor Geoff Masters said the study is unusual among international studies both in terms of the number of partnerships studied and the inclusion of evidence about the impact school-community partnerships are having.

The study found that almost half (45 per cent) of the partnerships were between schools and local community groups. Around 20 per cent of all partnerships were school-business partnerships. Just over half (53 per cent) of these partnerships were with state or national corporates and 47 per cent were with local businesses.

Catholic schools were slightly more likely (20 per cent) to be exclusively partnered with a business than schools in other sectors (14 per cent), while the majority of Independent school partnerships (54.8 per cent) were with community-based organisations.

A large majority of partnerships were focused on issues faced by ‘at risk’ boys in Years 9 and 10. Most partnerships were established with an aim to improve student engagement, improve academic outcomes, enhance social wellbeing or broaden students’ vocational skills and options.

Professor Masters said there were likely to be mutual benefits in encouraging stronger relationships between schools and businesses and urged more businesses to establish partnerships with schools.

“School-business partnerships can help prepare young people for future careers by giving them practical vocational experience and confidence. They can also help businesses develop an understanding of working with young people, some of whom may become future employees,” said Masters.

“It is pleasing to see local businesses supporting their schools. However, large corporations also have a role to play in partnering to support Australian schools. NAB’s $15-million investment in Schools First is an example. I expect we will see more examples of this kind over the next few years,” he said.

CEO of the Foundation for Young Australians (FYA), Jan Owen AM, likewise said the research highlights the need for industry, business and government to invest more heavily in school-community partnerships.

“This information compiled by ACER provides us with the strongest evidence yet that students thrive when schools partner with the community, and furthermore that these partnerships need to be invested in,” said Owen.

The analysis, School Community Partnerships in Australian Schools, by ACER Principal Research Fellow Michele Lonsdale was released on 27 April 2011 and is available from: http://research.acer.edu.au/policy_analysis_misc/7

NAB Schools First is a partnership between NAB, ACER and FYA. Further information about the program, including details of how to apply for 2011 awards, can be found at www.schoolsfirst.edu.au

« Back to eNews