The Y Connect project was a partnership between Yeronga State High School and researchers from Griffith University. Funded by the Queensland Department of Education through its Collaboration and Innovation Fund (CIF), the Y Connect project brought together students, teachers, school leaders, artists, arts organisations, and researchers to enhance young people’s sense of belonging and connectedness, and to generate improvements in learning.
The project leaders included GIER’s Professor Julie Dunn, Associate Professor Madonna Stinson, and Dr Linda Hassall, as well as Dr Marta Kawka from the School of Education and Professional Studies and Adjunct Professor Penny Bundy.
The Y Connect report, Creating Critical Connections through the Arts, was officially launched by Minister Mark Bailey on 29 November 2019. The 216-page report outlines the research project, along with the key findings and informing case studies. The report is accompanied by a shorter 24-page executive summary titled: The Y Connect Key Findings and Significance Report.
Unique arts program lifts student engagement and achievement