Science & Wool
In May 2007, the Science & Wool program ran for its second year, targeting Year 10 students. The program was developed and delivered by the Department of Primary Industries and Water (DPIW), Sheep Cooperative Research Centre and the Department of Education.
Year 10 students, who were identified by their school and pathway planners as having an interest in Agricultural Science, were encouraged to apply for the two-day career program. Fourteen students, five supervising teachers and pathway planners participated in the program.
Students were assigned to teams and provided with a case study in which they had to gather and analyse information to enable them to make 'real' decisions about the future of their breeding stock. Students had the opportunity to speak with leading wool industry scientists and undertake practical procedures both in the field and in the laboratory.
Science & Wool was able to portray the Tasmanian wool industry as a dynamic, highly specialised and exciting career choice for students interested in science. Post-Year 10 education opportunities were explored by the students over the two-day program.
top
Tasmanian youthBUILD Program
As part of the National youthBUILD Foundation, a dynamic partnership has been formed between the Housing Industry Association (HIA) and the Department of Education Guaranteeing Futures vocational initiatives. Unique to Tasmania, five schools in Hobart's northern suburbs each selected 16 Year 10 students to spend one day per week throughout the year in the youthBUILD facility at the showgrounds in Glenorchy.
This program focused on the development of employability skills and occupational health and safety, which are required for a young person's successful transition from school to further training, especially those entering the construction industry. This practical based curriculum brings the construction workplace to the school environment by offering students the opportunity to work on commercial products that are part of the inventory of a number of HIA members.
Students have worked on numerous projects, including construction on the workshop wall, picnic tables, cubbyhouses and storage bins, before tooling up to produce frames and trusses for industry.
Taster programs such as these help students better prepare for their future, by not only engaging Year 10 students in a workplace environment but also connecting them to their local college. Industry benefits by receiving assistance in overcoming any skill shortage problems they have through encouraging more students to consider their industry as a career option as well as offering them a more work ready, entry level employee. It is a win-win outcome for student transition and industry skill shortages.
top
Youth Arts Pilot Project 2007
Selected students from Years 8 and 9, who were at risk of disengaging from mainstream education but had an interest in art, participated in the Youth Arts pilot project which ran from March to May 2007. The students participated in the arts-based learning experience for two days per week for 12 weeks. Some of the identified positive outcomes for students included an increase in self-confidence, improved school attendance and greater classroom participation.
The project coordinator worked intensively with the selected students and their parents to prepare them for the alternative learning opportunity. The diverse range of students spent the first two days participating in team building and bonding activities.
The artist and the coordinator then worked together to provide a rich and varied program of activities for the students through various art techniques, excursions and exhibitions of student work.
Survey results, feedback from students, parents and teachers plus the observations of the artist and coordinator confirmed that a positive experience was had by all who completed the project.
At the end of this successful program, schools provided ongoing support for these students by initiating a flexible timetable for them so they could engage in personalised learning including mentoring, internship with an artist, or short courses in photography and other learning areas offered through TAFE.
top
INVEST Marine Industry Project
Students from Kingston, New Town, Geilston Bay, Huonville, Taroona and Clarence High Schools were burning with enthusiasm to acquire a new skill in Gas Metal Arc Welding and Manual Metal Arc Welding as part of the INVEST Marine Industry project. The Vocational and Applied Learning program resulted from an innovative partnership between Guaranteeing Futures, TAFE Tasmania and the Tasmanian Maritime Network, in response to local industry training needs.
Its prime focus was to provide students with a trade experience to enable them to have an insight into the training pathway for an apprentice or trainee, through a week long experience at TAFE. The program also aimed at increasing teacher, student and parental awareness around the career pathways available within the marine industry especially in relation to welding and metal fabrication. An industry tour allowed participants to broaden their knowledge of the marine industry through exposure to a range of employers, workplace requirements and types of employment.
The opportunity that this program provides for the students will assist them in the transition from school to further training and the 'WELD' of work.
top
Early Years
Our direction