As part of our commitment to the progress and success of all students, Geelong High School will be introducing a Hands on Learning Programme in 2022, focused on Year 9 students across Semester 2.

In the Hands on Learning Programme, students that are at risk of leaving school early work directly with artisan-teachers to undertake meaningful and real world projects within their school and local community. From gardening design and building projects,to cooking and community based activities, HoL focuses on building a sense of belonging, confidence and self belief in one’s capacity to learn. The Hands-on Learning method not only develops students’ teamwork, leadership skills, social acumen, attitudes, respect and will but has also been shown to increase school attendance, strengthen education pathways, and reduce local youth unemployment.

Since its inception at Frankston High School in 1999, the renowned program is now supported by Save the Children Australia and has expanded to over 100 schools across Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania, and Queensland and growing through the help and generosity of businesses and people like yourself.

At Geelong High School the program will be run on a Wednesday and will be delivered in a specific area of the school behind the Gym area and overlooking the botanical Gardens to the East near the cricket nets.

Currently, two artisan teachers have been employed, and Mr Butler and Mr Jackson are currently making community links and establishing the process for students who wish to apply to be part of the programme.

The selection process will involve House Leaders and Hands-on Learning teachers. Once the students have been selected , they will then go through a basic interview process where the Hands-on Leaning Teachers can get to know and understand the students and their needs. In 2022 only ten students will be able to participate, though there will be increasing flexibility around this as we move into the future. Selection into the programme is carefully considered however, so that students can make the most of the opportunity to re-engage positively with their schooling.

In all Hands on Learning Programmes the first challenge the group will face is the development of a space to make their own. In order to do this the group will reach out to the community for support, donations or even technical trade knowledge to help design and build a space to be proud of. If you would like more information about this, or have something to contribute, please contact Rohan.Butler@education.vic.gov.au . He would be happy to respond to your emails.

If you would like to know more about Hands on Learning you can visit their website as well at https://handsonlearning.org.au/ .

All the best,

Mr Andrew McConchie

Assistant Principal of Teaching and Learning