SDC - FAQ:
What age students attend Leaps and bounds?
Students must be enrolled in a government Secondary School to be referred. They are generally aged between 13 and 16 years of age.
Is it all boys?
The Centre caters for male and female students. It is preferable to maintain a gender balance, however sometimes this balance cannot be achieved.
As a parent, who do I contact about my child being referred?
The school wellbeing co-ordinator is the person who can refer your child to the student development centre. In the Eastern Metropolitan Region a referral committee will consider all applications and prioritise them. Sometimes you may have to wait until a place becomes available, your home school will keep you updated on progress of the application.
How do I get there?
The Leaps and Bounds Students Development Centre is close to trains and buses. It is about 800 metres from Bayswater Station, on the grounds of Bayswater Secondary College. A bicycle track that runs behind Leaps and Bounds from Bayswater is the quickest way to walk if you are taking the train .The car park is entered via Neal St. Melways Ref. 64 E2
What about the extra travel costs for getting there?
You will not be expected to incur the expense of extra travel. You can apply to Leaps and Bounds for a Met travel card during the time of your attendance.
Do I have to go?
The placement is not compulsory. The student must decide whether or not he/she will make a commitment to the program. If the student is serious about making changes to their behaviour at school then the expectation is that they will commit to all aspects of the program.
Will the work be too hard/easy?
Because of the high teacher/student ratio it is easier to quickly establish what level of academic work is appropriate for each student. They will start at a level that is manageable and then aim to set new achievable challenges. There is a lot of teacher support for each student so therefore a greater chance of success.
Do I have to buy books?
You will not need to supply any books or stationery as Leaps and Bounds will provide you with these.
What clothes should I wear?
As the program includes many outdoor activities including High ropes challenge activities, you will need to wear sensible casual clothes with safe footwear eg. runners jeans t-shirt etc.
Will my child be badly influenced by other students?
Students are referred to the Student Development Centre for a wide range of reasons which ultimately places them at risk of not completing school. Students are expected to be responsible for their own decisions and their own behaviour. Parents are involved in helping maintain a students progress and any problems will be discussed with the student in order to change negative behaviour. As our intake of students is not a block intake but rather a staggered or continual placement, the longer term student is usually a good role model for the new student, guiding them with helpful and positive strategies.
What happens when I return to school?
When students are nearing the end of their placement, a meeting is called with the student, family and school to discuss the student’s individual needs regarding their reintegration to school. Sometimes this is a slow transition and sometimes it is more suitable to return to school fairly quickly. The school is therefore aware of the students needs on returning to school and measures are put in place to ensure a successful return. Leaps and Bounds offers ongoing support to the school and student by providing contact as required.
Do I have to go on camp?
The camping program is an important part of a students experience at Leaps and bounds and it is expected that all students will attend at least one camp during their time at the Centre. From past experiences students often make the greatest progress due to their participation in a camp. The program is carefully considered to allow for the greatest opportunity for personal development.
Will I fail school by attending leaps and bounds?
No. Most students who attend Leaps and Bounds were not completing or keeping up with work at their home school. Students may not work on their standard year level curriculum at Leaps and Bounds, rather we focus on areas of difficulty and help improve skills. Students are often so pleased with the volume of work produced and are proud to show family and teachers. Often improved concentration and self esteem and new learnt strategies mean that more work can be completed on return to the home school. Teachers at the home school are filled in about the student’s progress and will not penalise the student for work not completed during their placement.
Do I have to bring lunch?
There is an emphasis on healthy eating at Leaps and Bounds and therefore provide lunches for students every Monday and Wednesday. Friday is usually timetabled as a cooking day and staff, students and visitors sit down to a variety of delicious meals. Students are required to bring lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
What is the success rate for students?
Most students successfully return to their home school. Some students go on to complete year 12 while others may find that alternative education such as a TAFE course or pre work training program is more suited to their needs. Some students may decide not to continue school and find work or apprenticeships. Mostly students gain a greater sense of self worth and learn strategies to help deal with difficulties in school or their lives as they arise.