The funding boost is part of a $1.9 million series of grants to 46 schools this year.

Education Minister Jane Lomax-Smith announced the funding last week, as part of the three-year, $5.7 million “School to Work” initiative to support the new South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) introduction.

“These grants help schools pioneer innovative ways to encourage young people to stay engaged in education and training and improve pathways into high skilled jobs and tertiary education,” she said.

“This helps to build a strong, skilled workforce to support the future knowledge and skill demands of our State, and stands students in good stead for future opportunities.”

School principal Kath Macalister welcomed the funding boost and said the grant would be used to support the Quick Smart Maths Project.

“Training for school service officers who will deliver the program is being covered out of another funding line and the program funds will cover the costs of the program and staffing for 2010.

“Any improvement in core learning areas will result in students who can take on a range of subjects in greater numbers.”

Ms Macalister said less students currently studied science and maths compared to subjects like English and history, despite many career paths requiring that subject knowledge.

“Roxby Downs Area School is fortunate to be the recipient of many grants every year which are supporting teachers to set targets for continuous improvement across a range of study.”