NRS-4061 | Participation and Equity Programme submissions (PEP)

These are submissions from secondary schools for funding under the Participation and Equity Programme which began in 1984 and ended in 1987. PEP was a Commonwealth funded programme aimed at retaining more pupils in secondary schools. Both the Commonwealth and State put out guidelines concerning the target groups. The aim was to encourage the participation in school activities of the groups most in need and to ensure equality of opportunity. Funds were provided for school based programmes. Secondary schools were to develop programmes and submit their proposals to the PEP Management Unit at the Education Department. Funds were then allocated to approved programmes. Examples of programmes are: developing community and parent involvement in school activities; curriculum development; encouraging participation of students; improving facilities at the school; purchase of equipment and encouraging minority or disadvantaged groups. Around 40 per cent of secondary schools were targeted as disadvantaged and in particular need of assistance. These schools still had to put in submissions but funds were always made available (this could be up to $50,000). Other secondary schools could put in submissions but the allocation of funds was more competitive. (18/1116-1126.1). 11 boxes (part). Note: This description is extracted from Concise Guide to the State Archives of New South Wales, 3rd Edition 2000.