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"Whatever it takes': Joanne's story
Joanne* was a 15 year old student from a family with large and ongoing
problems. She had almost stopped attending school, had left home, was
disengaged, sullen and withdrawn and looked to the Education and
Employment Liaison officer, Ang Hardy 'pretty rough around the edges'.
Ang asked Joanne what she wanted to do. Joanne replied that she was
interested in modelling so Brooks enrolled her in a modelling course,
which the school funded. Support continued with lifts and the loan of
high heels. Ang says, 'By the time Jo graduated from the modelling
course, the change was dramatic. Her head was up, she was well
presented and seemed like a different girl.'
Joanne is now attending College (Grades 11/12). Ang Hardy comments: 'I
can still hardly believe Jo went on to College. She's a great
justification for respecting the student's choice without judgement and
doing anything to support it."
* The student's name has been changed. |
No Dole
The Careers Room is the home of the No Dole program and is staffed by
the Education and Employment Liaison Officer and part-time
administrative assistants. The No Dole Co-ordinator, Rob Fleming, is
also Grade 10 Coordinator and a member of the Senior Staff Team.
Students wanting to discuss their ambitions and work experience can
come in during recess and lunch-time and make an appointment for a time
during class. They receive a pass which allows them to leave class.
Employment Broking
The Careers Office organises part-time casual jobs for Brooks senior
students, 70% of whom choose to work. The aims of this service is to
make connections between school and work, encourage a work ethic,
support students remaining at school while also developing skills and
self esteem. Another benefit is the link to local employers. Several
employers now come directly to Brooks to find new employees, both
full-time school leavers and part-time students.
Brooks also employs its own students, though always based on merit. The
IT, Administrative and Farm/Grounds trainees are all recent Brooks
students.
Trainee and Apprenticeship Pathways Program (TAP)
School-based New Apprenticeship Program
"TAP
is a Brooks innovation, born when a new member of the senior staff,
Darrell Fowler, saw the need for it. Where this will go beyond 2005 is
yet to be imagined."
- Warren Pill |
TAP is due to commence in July 2005 and run to the end of the school
year. Working alongside and complementing the school timetable and
structure, this focussed program will help students get into
traineeships and apprenticeships at the end of year 10. In
collaboration with employers and TAFE, the first intake of 15 students
will be working in the metals, automotive, and building and
construction fields, all areas with identified local and national skill
shortages. A new member of senior staff, Darrell Fowler, saw the need
and the program was born. Where this will go beyond 2005 is yet to be
imagined.
Registered Training Organisation (RTO)
Brooks is an RTO, in which ex-students and parents can do some
Vocational Education and Training (VET) Certificate 11 courses and some
Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE) courses. Currently 12
continuing students and 6 adults are enrolled.
Parents
Brooks prefers to personally invite parents, nominated by the grade
team, to join focus groups on particular issues rather than call
general meetings.
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