Powered by heart and soul - Hands On Learning Australia · Helping schools help kids since 1999. A dramatic turnaround It’s all falling into place for Sale College Year Nine student

h a n d s o n l e a r n i n g . o r g . a u

Hands On Learning Australia is a harm prevention charity that partners with secondary schools to help them implement the Hands On Learning method.

Her Excellency Quentin Bryce AC, Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia is our patron

The annual raft race pitched Hands On Learning teams from Frankston schools in a challenge to construct the fastest raft made of recycled material with a $100 budget.

Teams poured their heart and soul into the ingeniously constructed boats that were powered by great passion and brute strength and seriously put through their paces.

Carrum Downs Secondary College (pictured) took line honours in a competitive contest with a creative entry featuring a throttle, radio and specially designed rudder.

The most exciting outcome was the pride and satisfaction of the students.

Powered by heart and soul

May 2012Helping schools help kids since 1999

A dramatic turnaround

It’s all falling into place for Sale College Year Nine student Adam Schade. This year Adam is a house captain and doing well across the curriculum. It is a radical transformation.

College Director Craig Felstead adds, “Over the years we have tried several alternative programs and projects. HOL has worked better than any of them. The key is getting the right teachers like Valmai Todd who genuinely care about these students, and projects that matter to the school and community. It’s real world stuff.”

Adam was loud and disruptive in class before Hands On and had been suspended more than once.

“This time last year I didn’t think being part of the leadership group was possible. The difference is I like school now, I actually want to come,” Adam said.

Sale College has run HOL since 2009. “The toughest issues for our kids are often social,” Campus Principal David Mowbray reports.

“Having the smaller tighter cohort of students in Hands On helps them connect a lot quicker and more easily with other kids and their adult mentors. The students are much happier at school and able to function more effectively in the mainstream classroom.”

Changes to the HOLA Board

Hands On Learning Australia Director Ian Ward-Ambler has replaced Duncan Brown as Chairman.

Ian is the Managing Director of Goldman Sachs Asset Management Australia and is passionate about supporting kids while they are still at school to prevent the costs of early leaving. Ian paid tribute to Duncan’s work and that of retiring Director, Professor Jack Keating.

“Duncan Brown has made a huge contribution to Hands On Learning. His leadership was instrumental to the structure and governance we have today, along with expanding our funding base to dramatically increase our ability to support more kids. Duncan has always made himself available for HOL despite many other demands on his time. We thank Duncan for his service as Chairman and we look forward to continuing to work with him as a Director,” Ian said.

“I would also like to recognise the significant contribution of retiring Director Jack Keating, professorial fellow and leader of the education policy and leadership unit at the University of Melbourne. Jack’s considerable local and international research experience, coupled with his desire to improve the educational opportunities of all young people was invaluable. Jack remains a great friend of HOL and we will seek his counsel on a less formal basis.

“Finally we welcome Julie Klein as our HOL Alumni Board Member. Julie is a former student with a personal understanding of the difference HOL can make to the direction of a young person’s life. We are excited to welcome Julie and will benefit hugely from her experience and perspective,” Ian added.

A valuable perspective

“The environment at Hands On Learning fosters healthy relationships that facilitate growth at a time in your life that’s all about self-discovery,” according to new HOL Board member Julie Klein.

Julie knows her subject. By Year 8 she was bored and pushing the boundaries, skipping class and accumulating a ‘ridiculous amount’ of detentions. Being part of the HOL team at Frankston High built self-esteem and a clearer framework to approach her learning.

“In Year 8 and 9 social issues cause real stress. They can be so destructive and the day to day grind of school is really disengaging. It’s not personal and doesn’t stimulate the switches that make kids tick. It’s generic and limiting,” Julie said.

“Being in a safe stimulating environment every week to explore outside the labels and expectations of our peers is so important and where change comes from.

Everyone wants to learn, to be good at something, and feel confident.

“HOL is a chance to achieve – for me it was working outside, feeling connected to the environment on real projects valued by the community.

“The costs of early school leaving are obvious. We need quality preventative care for the most vulnerable kids in every school who don’t fit into the mainstream – HOL makes the opportunities of school equal for these kids.

“If the foundation of who we are and our self-esteem isn’t sound as we move into adult life everything becomes harder, and the costs much greater – for the individual and the community,” she added.

Julie is in her final year of a Bachelor of Health Sciences and is working part time as a HR consultant until she finishes her degree.

Helping out

NORTHERN BAY – GEELONG“The team worked hard painting the cubby at the local child care centre. We also received $1700 from the City of Greater Geelong for seat refurbishment at the Corio and North Geelong football ovals, and a $1500 grant from Parks Victoria to build two picnic tables and refurbish the orienteering course markers at the You Yangs.”

Dave Scarlett

ST FRANCIS XAVIER – BERWICK“Our team completely secured the chicken enclosure for the horticulture department with the help of volunteer Jeff Fisher who has worked with us every Wednesday for two years, so we can support more kids. It’s a fantastic, generous commitment.”

Alan Grigg

KURNAI - MORWELL “We are at lock up stage of our hut. It has come up a treat and we often hear the kids saying how proud they are of their skills.”

Michael Stubbe

Celebrating our achievements

McClelland College’s family and friends pizza night at the end of Term One was a huge hit with excited students showing family and friends what they do at Hands On.

“Tim was shy and behind at school. He’s grown up so much since he started Hands On. He’s learnt a lot, helps at home more, and has taught me how to cook much better,” Tim’s mum Wendy said.

“So many kids don’t want to do mainstream school. Katie had real attitude. Hands On proves that if you give kids something they love doing you’re on a winner,” according to Katie’s stepdad Scott.

“I was gobsmacked when I saw what the kids have achieved. We are so proud of what Mitchell’s done at Hands On Learning. It’s different from class work, but he is still learning here within the school. And it’s really calmed him down,” reports Mitchell’s step grandfather Lloyd.

Getting togetherHands On Learning artisan-teachers from across the State came together in March for a big professional development and training session at Frankston High. Highlights included rammed earth wall construction (pictured), managing student safety, and data collection to constantly measure student progress.

Liam Kelly grew up on a farm in Ireland as one of nine and has always enjoyed the honesty and company of young people. With a strong trade and Industrial design background, Liam divides his time between teaching design at RMIT and teaming up with Tony O’Connor as an artisan-teacher at Mornington Secondary College.

“I think we all see ourselves in these kids. Being 14 or 15 and at a crossroads, with no idea what you can achieve. Our experiences as young people shape our lives and every kid deserves the opportunity to build confidence and achieve something.

“When I’m at RMIT I learn so much about design - when I’m at Hands On I learn so much about people.”

A lifelong passion

Occupational Health and safety is front and centre as Liam helps Brody (Year 8) and Lochie (Year 10) develop the skills they need for their ‘Drill Licence’.

Talented, enthusiastic people

A natural fit

HOL and School Nursing is a great mix according to Mandy Rampton, Adolescent Health Nurse with the Secondary School Nursing Program at Carrum Downs Secondary College.

“The small group size of Hands On is perfect for promoting a youth friendly health and wellbeing message to our most vulnerable kids,” Mandy said.

“Respectful relationship modelling is a major feature of Hands On and visiting the team has become a highlight of my day. Sharing food connects people, and the informal atmosphere created by teachers Wayne and Sam helps me achieve my goals.”

Hands On Learning Australia is a Harm Prevention Charity that partners with schools to support students most at risk of dropping out early. The Hands On Learning method is a targeted early intervention for students in Years 7-10 that is effective because it is run in schools, by schools, ensuring vulnerable students stay connected to their school and receive ongoing support.

More information: Cam Wiseman 0488 518 411 [email protected]

The Carrum Downs HOL team are compiling a ‘recipe book’ of healthy favourites to share with family and friends.