The following reports contain the outcomes of research projects conducted under the 1999 and 2000 Full Service Schools (FSS) Programme. The reports are intended to contribute to the national pool of information and resources available to assist teachers, practitioners and policy makers responsible for addressing the needs of young people at risk of not completing Year 12 or moving on to further training or employment.
Researchers examined national and international strategies being used to meet the needs of these students. They also spoke to at risk students from schools around Australia to find out their views about school and work and how their needs can best be met.
The researchers found many examples of good practice in Australia and evidence that an increasing number of schools and local communities are changing the nature of the education services they provide to young people generally, and at risk young people in particular. Importantly, they found that at risk young people value education and want to move on to employment. These young people cite school ethos, relationships with teachers, subject content and choice, flexibility in learning, being treated as adults and given responsibility, as important factors in keeping them at school.
Full Service Schools Programme 1999 and 2000 National Evaluation Report (PDF) (989.52 KB, 117 pages)
The National Evaluation examined which Full Service School Programme activities worked and what outcomes were achieved. It outlines possible future policy directions in addressing the needs of at risk young people.
Doing It Well: Case Studies of Innovation and Best Practice in Working with At Risk Young People (PDF) (756.05 KB, 87 pages)
Nineteen examples of innovative and best practice case studies, many from schools that participated in the Full Service Schools Programme, are contained in this report. Participating schools demonstrated their capacity and willingness to meet the needs of students at risk in ways that greatly enhance a student’s potential to succeed. The activities cover approaches taken at the systemic, community, school and student level.
Innovation and Best Practice in Schools: Review of Literature and Practice (PDF) (1.25 MB, 139 pages)
This report provides an overview of effective intervention strategies, both nationally and internationally, designed to assist at risk students and reduce early school leaving. The literature review demonstrated that schools are being asked to respond to a complex and changing environment from which many young people are becoming disengaged. The case studies illustrate the considerable activity in schools and the broader community to address the needs of these young people.
Building Relationships: Making Education Work. A Report on the Perspectives of Young People (PDF) (2.58 MB, 145 pages)
This report outlines the views of young people on school, further education, training and employment opportunities. It found they view education as a major pathway to achieving their goals, but that good relationships with teachers and the wider school community are vital if they are to remain at school. Students at risk share similar dreams and aspirations to other young people. Their difficulty lies in realising their ambitions.