Innovative alternative school gains national recognition
15 October 2004
An innovative and alternative senior school that caters to a diverse student population is in the running to become Australia’s best provider of vocational education and training (VET) at school.
Fremantle’s North Lake Senior Campus caters solely for Year 11 and 12 students in the post compulsory years of schooling and typically those at educational risk. Many students are uniquely different to those at other senior high schools, with backgrounds including welfare existence and exclusions from other schools.
North Lake’s VET in Schools program was one of the first instituted in Western Australia, offering students flexibility and a range of pathways options to stay at school until complete secondary graduation the end of Year 12.
Teachers and trainers apply VET programs which are designed on an ethos of adult education principles combined with practical and academic approaches to learning. The campus has also developed specific teaching and learning environments to support the VET program including specialist on-site facilities such as a restaurant, automotive workshop, computer workshop and weights room.
According to ANTA chairman, David Hind, Australia’s key to keeping ahead of international competitors is world-class training providers who meet the skill needs of businesses, individuals and the community.
“Schools like North Lake Senior Campus are breaking new ground in delivering quality training when, how and where businesses, students and the community want it,” said Mr Hind.
North Lake Senior Campus is one of three organisations vying for the national VET in Schools honour at the awards. The northern NSW school of Ballina High Peninsula VET, representing Victoria, will also compete.
Four students will also be flying the West Australian flag. Boya’s Drew Wheeler, Madora’s Samantha Johnson, Merridoo Walbidi of the Bidyadanga Community (near Broome) and Latasha Santostefano of Australind are all in the running for a national title.
The 2004 Australian Training Awards will be held at the Crown Entertainment Complex in Melbourne on Thursday, 18 November 2004. The awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of apprentices, trainees and students as well as the contribution of enterprises and training providers to skilling Australia.
The Australian Training Awards are hosted by the Australian National Training Authority and supported by the Australian Government Department of Education, Science and Training.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES CONTACT: Alison Carbery, Red Agency, 03 9421 4899 or 0409 070 507
Register to attend at http://www.anta.gov.au/vetawards.asp or contact the organisers on 1800 150 653.