|
Blacktown Youth College, an alternative community school, develops hope of a brighter future for young people through a new beginning in education and a diverse holistic program.
The college fosters the opportunity for change by nurturing individual talents, personal growth and the full potential of each student. |
 |
|
Blacktown Youth College in Bidwill is an independent, government funded school, meeting the educational and social needs of troubled adolescents, who are excluded from, or not coping with, mainstream schooling.
It is the aim of Blacktown Youth College to offer each student the opportunity for shared learning in a positive and constructive environment.
We want our students to be happy and to feel good about themselves. When this happens they become receptive to learning, both formal and informal.
A no-exams approach to learning is essential here.
We value the unique participation of each person within the school community. We recognize the need to foster and enhance their individual talents, as well as encourage them to strive for and celebrate an increased measure for academic success.
It is hoped that each student, at the completion of their studies for the School Certificate at Blacktown Youth College, will experience the satisfaction that comes from their success to date, as well as from the recognition of their potential for continued personal development. |
|
|
As a teacher in government high schools and TAFE, a home tutor for Aboriginal students and a Youth Worker for the Blacktown City Council, the school's founder, Ms Gabrielle McIntosh, witnessed the difficulties faced by some adolescents fitting into mainstream schooling.
Ms McIntosh opened her first school in February 1996 in makeshift premises in Rooty Hill, with only one other person - another volunteer - on a walking stick.
In late 1997, the first Youth College opened in Blacktown followed by Colleges at Bidwill and Penrith. Blacktown & Penrith have since been amalgamated with Bidwill, with112 students at the main campus at Bidwill. There are two other campuses: in Lawson in the Blue Mountains and in Broken Hill in NSW.
Many students arrive without basic skills. To overcome the ‘gap’ in their education, the Colleges provide one-on-one coaching in reading, writing and mathematics.
While the Colleges follow a NSW Board of Studies curriculum, textbooks and activities are pitched at students’ interests - for example, go-karting as a Design and Technology elective. The current Principal is Anne Ridgway.
Over the past 10 years, over 200 adolescents - 40% from indigenous backgrounds - have attended the Youth Colleges. 120 students have gained their School Certificate. Of these, the vast majority would not have done so at their regular school. Four students have gained places in selective high schools for years 11 and 12.
About 65% of students are in employment within a few months of graduating. As most students had poor references from their previous school, their time at the Youth Colleges is crucial to earning a good reference and using that to secure a job. |
|
|
|
|
