Professional development for teachers
Fairfield College - re-engaging Year 11 students
Fairfield College Pathways director Jenny Rae-Middleton has piloted a successful in-class programme aimed at re-engaging ‘at-risk’ Year 11 students. The programme, Schools Plus, arose out of a discussion between Jenny and principal Julie Small about how to keep disinterested students in school longer while increasing their motivation.
The programme aims to give Year 11 students clear practical links to the world of work, and prepare them to move into work or Gateway placements. The students stay together for core subjects, which makes attendance monitoring easier. Besides Gateway, students also have access to STAR courses and other industry-based training, such as KiwiHost.
Jenny keeps in regular communication with the students and subject teachers involved, as well as the parents and caregivers. "The overall concept has been great – and we now have good ideas for where we can adjust it for next year."
Key features
- Aimed at Year 11 students disinterested at school and who are less able to sustain a full programme of study. Some Year 12 students involved.
- Students selected from referrals from deans and through self-referrals (about 50/50). Jenny meets with students and caregivers to explain the class.
- The class has a practical, hands-on approach to learning. For example, a horticulture section had students making and maintaining their own garden plots – which inspired one student to create a home vegetable garden!
Benefits for students
- Students who may have taken up to two years to achieve Level 1 credits are now well on their way to the required credits.
- Engagement and motivation has increased, with many of the targeted students set to return to school next year.
- Students built solid, clear connections with the careers team – they are more used to exploring the world of work and thinking about possible future pathways.
