The purpose of the Australian Maths and Science Partnerships Program (AMSPP) is to improve student engagement in maths and science courses at university and schools, through innovative partnerships between universities, schools, and other relevant organisations.
This will be achieved through projects which:
- build the confidence, capacity, knowledge base and teaching skills of classroom teachers to deliver maths and science subjects to primary and junior secondary school students
- increase the number of school students undertaking maths and science subjects to Year 12
- improve school students’ outcomes in maths and science, and/or
- encourage more students to study science, technology, engineering and maths courses at university.
Priority projects
Up to 25 per cent of the total AMSPP allocation may be reserved, outside of the competitive grants round process, for priority projects.
Priority projects are considered to be any project that is consistent with the objectives and priorities of the AMSPP and is national in scope.
For more information, please visit the information for Priority Project page.
Competitive grants
The majority of AMSPP funds will be allocated through a single competitive grants round, to be run in 2013. Information relating to AMSPP competitive grants (including eligibility, application procedures, and assessment) is provided in the Administrative Information for Providers.
Further information will be provided prior to the grants round opening, which is expected in late 2013; check this page for updates.
Announcements
On 30 December 2012, the Minister for Science and Research, Senator Chris Evans announced that the AMSPP had commenced with a call for priority projects:
http://minister.innovation.gov.au/chrisevans/MediaReleases/Pages/Newprogramtoboostmathsandsciencegraduates.aspx
Grant applications for priority projects close on 25 February 2013.
Background
In May 2012, the Chief Scientist, Professor Ian Chubb AC, released the report Mathematics, Engineering, and Science in the National Interest.
The report recognised that over the past 20 years, Australia has experienced a significant decline in the proportion of students taking advanced mathematics and science related subjects in year 12. Over the same period there has been a downward trend in the proportion of university students enrolled in maths, science and engineering courses.
The AMSPP was announced in the 2012 Budget as part of a broad package of measures to address this trend and improve outcomes in the learning and teaching of maths and science.
Legislation
The relevant legislation is:
Information for providers
The Administrative Information for Providers gives information on the application process, funding conditions, and other administrative details for the program:
Contact
For more information email AMSP@innovation.gov.au.