Step into Learning a Northern ICAN Initiative Service to Youth Council Inc.

1. Step into Learninga Northern ICAN InitiativeService to Youth Council Inc.

2. Background Service to Youth Council Inc have received funding through ICAN to facilitate partnerships with Northern DECS schools and Community Based service providers. The aim is to provide alternative education and learning programs which engage young people at risk of leaving education early.

3. The Northern Tutorial Centre (NTC) Pilot • A partnership between BBCS and SYC to pilot an alternative education model aimed at re-engaging young people from Northern Adelaide enrolled at BBCS, but currently not attending. • 11 young people enrolled term 4, 2004 • 90% attendance • 9 young People enrolled in SACE English & Community Studies Term 1, 2005 • Young people identify NTC as school and turn up early

4. The Step into Learning Model • A comprehensive range of learning options which can be ‘mixed and matched’ to meet individual requirements • Individualised support and case management • Maximum class size of ten • Volunteer Youth Mentors to provide individual support in the classroom • Teacher and Youth Project Officers working in collaboration to deliver learning programs and intensive support

5. Stream A –Community Self Referrals primarily ‘disconnected youth’ Stream B – Young People on 4 to 10 week exclusions Stream C –Young People attending Northern ICAN schools at risk of non attendance and/or early school leaving Stream D – Bowden Brompton Community School enrolments Target Groups

6. Project Goals • Provide pathways for students to re-engage and/or remain engaged in education • Develop and maintain sustainable links between school and community • Increase participants’ attendance • Improve numeracy and literacy levels

7. The Program • Individualised Programs are tailored to met the students individual learning needs. • Each Student is case managed and provided with individual support

8. Program Components – Continuous Entry • Most timetable options can be entered on a continuous basis. These include: Numeracy, Literacy, Out of the Frying Pan, Cool Careers, Driver Training, Homework, Rec the North, Did Ya Know, Art and craft

9. Program ComponentsSet Entry and Exit • Programs with a fixed entry/ exit point include SACE, Feeling Groovy, Feeling Fly, Take the lead, Feeling Focused. If a student wants to enter these programs and it has started they will be advised of the next start date for that program

10. Other Programs • To tailor to individual needs, students have an opportunity to link to VET, Try a Trade, Pre Apprenticeship Program.

11. Referral Process for DECS Schools • Stream B (4 –10 week exclusions) Usual referral process between school and ISBM Step into Learning meets goals & needs ISBM refers student to Program

12. Referral Process for DECS Schools • Stream C School identifies student at risk School and student agree that they will benefit from attending a Step into Learning Program Consultation with ISBM Referral made Student assessed and involvement negotiated

13. Outcomes – Term 2 • 55 young people have accessed the programs • Average attendance over 80% • Over 95% had increased numeracy and literacy levels • 9 young people gained SACE • 4 young people have gained employment

14. Questions