Priority Country Areas Program

Additional funding through the Australian Government is provided to schools in rural and isolated communities to help improve the educational opportunities, participation, learning outcomes and personal development of rural and geographically isolated primary and secondary school students.

Overview

The Priority Country Areas Program (PCAP) provides funding to schools for rural and geographically isolated primary and secondary school students to:

• help improve the educational outcomes and opportunities of students who are educationally disadvantaged because of their geographical isolation so that their learning outcomes match those of other students
• provide funding for projects that would enhance the educational achievements and choice available to students disadvantaged by geographical isolation

Background

Western Australia receives annual PCAP funding from the Australian Government through a four year funding agreement.

Each year, schools, local parent and community bodies collaboratively identify projects that will meet school priorities and local needs. Once these projects are drafted, they go through an approval process involving the school's district office, the Department of Education and Training's central office and finally, the Department of Education, Science and Training (part of the Australian Government).

Schools are selected to receive funding based on their geographical isolation and their ability to access support services which may be more readily available to schools in the metropolitan area.

PCAP funds can be used to implement projects under the following categories:

• curriculum enhancement
• information and communication technology
• professional development
• promotion of PCAP
• school support
• purchase of tangible items

Outcomes

• providing students with opportunities to participate in a broad range of learning activities and curriculum that may not otherwise be available in their rural/remote location
• enhance parent/community participation in educational programs and decision making in schools
• improve student outcomes across the eight school curriculum learning areas
• prepare students for transition to work and later life

Budget Allocation

Funding for PCAP is provided by the Australian Government through the Department of Education, Science and Training based in Canberra.