Sharing What Works - Snapshots

Two way mentoring - Toowoomba Youth Re-connected - Qld

This program brings together young people who have had an incomplete or negative experiences of learning and mature aged volunteers who are positive learning role models.

During the first six weeks the young people complete computing competencies and on successful completion, receive a certificate - an early acknowledgement of achievement and success. The young people then assist the older people to learn computer skills as they work together to produce a biography or history. In addition, through integrated projects the young people have the opportunity to develop literacy and numeracy skills and to complete competencies in the Certificate of Adult General Education.

This two way program helps young people to develop a commitment to learning, confidence and a willingness to interact more with the community.

For further information, including details on the target group and responsible agency, follow the link to Initiatives targeting Recommendation 20.

Gold Coast Youth Commitment - Qld

On the Gold Coast a network of State and non-Government high schools, community organisations, Government agencies, TAFE institutes, training providers, employers and youth services is being established. It aims to help Gold Coast young people to complete Year 12 at school or at another recognised provider, obtain Year 12 or equivalent education or training qualifications such as a TAFE certificate, or obtain a full-time job that is linked to education or training. The strategies involve personal action plans for all secondary students, skilled transition brokers to case manage all students leaving school before the end of Year 12 and to create job opportunities. The network links to a Youth Program at the Gold Coast Institute of TAFE where staff work closely with young people who are disenchanted with the school system. It assists them go back to school or into apprenticeships, traineeships, further education or work. The inspiration behind the Gold Coast's Youth Commitment is the Dusseldorp Skills Forum, a NSW based independent, non-profit association with a charter to stimulate innovative educational developments for young people.

For further information, including details on the target group and responsible agency, follow the link to Initiatives targeting Recommendation 20.

Partnerships for promoting completion rates in Goondiwindi - Qld

Goondiwindi State High School, in a rural community about 375 kilometres southwest of Brisbane, increased its Year 12 completion rate from 54 per cent in 1999 to 89 per cent in 2000.

This remarkable result was achieved through a partnership between the Department of Employment and Training, the school, local rural industry and the wider community. Ninety-six employers provided training opportunities to Year 11 students and school-based traineeships were offered in 17 industry areas. Participating students were required to complete only four school subjects, as well as the requirements of their training plan.

In order to build upon this achievement, a partnership between the Department of Employment and Training, Education Queensland, local rural industry and the community has occurred to establish a Goondiwindi Rural Technology Skills Centre. It is anticipated that this facility, which will be constructed adjacent to the Goondiwindi State High School will be completed in 2002.

For further information, including details on the target group and responsible agency, follow the link to Initiatives targeting Recommendation 20.

Managed Individual Pathways - Vic

McGuire College - Vic

McGuire College is a co-educational secondary school of around 640 students located in the south of Shepparton in Victoria's north-east. At the end of the 2001 school year, 46% of Year 10-12 McGuire College students had individual pathway plans. The Managed Individual Pathways (MIPs) initiative facilitates the college goal of improving and enhancing student awareness of their options for further education, training and careers. To this end, the following initiatives have been implemented as part of the college's overall MIPs strategy:

• The compulsory Industry and Enterprise Unit in Year 10 includes the use of Guest Speakers, Workplace Visits and Videos, University Information Sessions, Careers Expos, and Career Recruitment Providers. Year 11 and 12 students are also exposed systematically to follow-up programs in these areas.
• Individual course counselling provided by trained staff for selected Year 10 and 11 students, using student academic performance and career pre-requisites as a basis for discussion.
• Transition programs for students moving from Year 10 to 11, and Year 11 to 12.
• A web page for the College website is currently under construction to enable all students and their parents to access the latest information on matters relating to career-planning and future options. This initiative will supplement the activities undertaken in Home Groups and the information distributed via newsletters. It will also reinforce the college's efforts to provide a framework that empowers students to engage in their own research and take ownership of their own futures.

For further information, including details on the target group and responsible agency, follow the link to Initiatives targeting Recommendation 20.

Special Programs for Koori Pupils - Vic

Under the guidance of the Koori Community Worker, various special programs and activities have been instituted with a view to improving the retention and successful outcome rates of Koori students. These include:

• A volunteer-supported 'homework program' for 1-2 hours after school on Wednesdays.
• A special after-school Art Program.
• A TAFE Pathways Program for Years 9 and 10 students.
• Tertiary/living away from home orientation visits to Melbourne for Years 11 and 12 students.
• Mentor training under the BRIDGES Program to assist Years 10-12 students to become mentors for Years 7 and 8 pupils.
• Incentive Programs for students who attain personal goals.
• Regular home contact by the Koori Educator.

A measure of the success of this program is the fact that the largest number of Koori students in the College's history have attempted and completed Year 12, with seven of the eight students who commenced the year, completing it. In addition, three students from Years 9-12 received Alfred Felton bequest scholarships for their academic achievement. This scholarship is available to Koori students enrolled in state secondary colleges.

For further information, including details on the target group and responsible agency, follow the link to Initiatives targeting Recommendation 20.