Research shows that offering learning opportunities outside of school hours is one way to improve the learning success of students and positively influence educational and personal outcomes.
Disadvantaged students can miss out on these kinds of out-of-school programs as they are often too costly for families with limited financial means.
However, a new initiative by a national children’s charity aims to change this.
The Smith Family currently runs 30 learning clubs at schools in 16 communities across Queensland, and they’re showing long-term benefits for students beyond the classroom.
Luke Kenelley, deputy principal and head of Special Education Services at Musgrave Hill State School says his school recognised some families were not able to provide educational support to their children at home due to a variety of factors, such as a lack of resources or confidence, or limited English-language skills.
“Some of our students needed more support to complete homework and work on their literacy and numeracy skills outside the classroom,” Kenelley said.
“So the school approached The Smith Family to establish a learning club where trained volunteer tutors provide students with the additional support they need.”
Kenelley said the learning club has helped the school’s students to improve their academic achievement which has also improved their engagement in learning and their attendance.
“Students are able to learn in a fun, exciting and relaxed atmosphere, and every year we have teachers referring more students to the program,” he said.
The Smith Family’s Queensland general manager, Alan Le May, is proud of the long-term benefits of the learning clubs, some of which have been running for 25 years.
“As students start to improve their grades, there’s a positive flow-on effect in terms of their attendance and engagement at school,” Le May said.
“We know that if we can help students finish school, this opens up more opportunities for their future.”