SDC - Program:
Over a decade ago we established a plan that enabled us to deliver the best possible program to our students, feeder schools and the wider educational community.
We visited alternative settings across the state and researched trends and programs globally so that we could establish the most effective and efficient program possible. We were able to attract community and corporate support to trial and fine-tune innovative programs that engaged at-risk young people in education.
The Leaps & Bounds program was developed with extensive consultation with educational psychologists, principals, student welfare coordinators, regional staff, medical experts, employers, parents and students. It comprises a balance of 'traditional' literacy and numeracy modules with innovative life skills and personal development components.
The programs have been delivered by a team of dedicated, capable and caring teachers who are committed to the ideals of a quality public education system that meets the needs of all students. Collectively we currently have many years of experience in working with some of the most marginalised and at-risk students in the region. The students recognise that the path they are currently on is not the way they want to go in the future. Over 200 students have directly benefited from our program over the last 10 years, with many completing VCE and apprenticeships, going on to tertiary studies, starting families or joining the workforce. Ex-students regularly drop in to show off their new car, new job, share with us their current success or ask for guidance through a personal crisis.
Our program has attracted attention through regional and state-wide awards and is widely recognised as a model of best practice.
Innovative components of the Leaps & Bounds program include:
Turning the Tables is a hands-on project that aims to provide a practical focus for students to make a positive contribution to their school environment. Students are involved in designing, constructing and installing outdoor tables and bench seating.
Dynamic Discipline involves the training of at-risk secondary students to conduct problem solving and challenge activities to groups of primary school students. It aims to provide students with an arena to demonstrate responsible behaviour, take on a leadership role and do something positive for other people in an educational setting.
The Leaps & Bounds Challenge Ropes Course is a high and low ropes course on site. The ropes course elements allow for individual initiative, problem solving in cooperative groups, physical growth through enhanced group cohesiveness, trust and mutual support, and improved communication - all with the aim of experiencing success and having fun.
The Cooking & Catering program teaches independent living skills with a focus on nutrition and hygiene. As well as planning, budgeting, shopping and preparing meals the students are also involved in catering for a range of meetings and professional development activities.
All students at Leaps & Bounds are expected to take part in the Integrated Wilderness Program. This consists of up to 9-day bushwalks or rafting journeys through remote areas of Victoria. Students are extended physically and emotionally by being well out of their personal comfort zones and drawing on strengths that they may not have previously realised they possessed.
The Victorian Police High Challenge Camp is an opportunity for our students to work with, and positively interact with, police recruits nearing the end of their training. This interaction leads to some fairly entrenched attitudes (from both sides) being challenged and often changed.
Gender Specific Programs address the particular needs of young men and women at Leaps & Bounds. Issues such as sexuality, goals, relationships, abuse and conflict can be investigated in a more direct and nurturing environment.
The Why Try Program was developed in the USA as a series of diagrams and experiential activities to assist young people to address social and emotional problems in their lives. Leaps & Bounds is working closely with the Oztry Foundation to trial the program and adapt it to specifically meet the needs of our students.