Macleay Vocational College

Macleay Vocational College (MVC), the concept developed in 1999. After a year long survey of student absenteeism from the three local high schools it was decided that 300 children per day not attending high school in Kempsey NSW, was worth investigating and actioning. It was funded and supported by the local business community and parents. Established in 2001, the Macleay Vocational College (MVC) is part of the Macleay Valley Workplace Learning Centre Inc., a not-for-profit education and training provider. Macleay Vocational College, Kempsey provides a comprehensive education with a strong vocational focus, for students in Years 9 to 12 (14 years of age onwards). Students gain recognised NSW credentials such as the Record of School Achievement (ROSA) and Higher School Certificate (HSC). In 2013, 90 students enrolled at the College, 37 female and 53 male students. 80% of students are Indigenous. The student population includes those who have experienced difficulties in traditional education settings (isolated, bullied, suspended or expelled from school or chronic truancy) and/or are exiting Juvenile Detention. ABC News (Australia) described it as an institution for "last chance" individuals.[1]

How this program works

In 1999 the concept of a Vocational High School in Kempsey NSW, for the most disadvantaged youth in education was envisaged and in the year 2000 the accreditation process was begun.[2] Jann Eason was the founding Principal. Values of love, respect, community, tolerance, responsibility and forgiveness, underpin MVC’s caring community, providing a positive learning and work environment. Committed to equity in education and the belief that all students can learn and achieve, MVC educates the whole person attending to academic, physical, social, emotional and moral development. Students are supported to develop a sense of belonging, pride, personal identity and cultural awareness, to become lifelong learners, resilient, tolerant and confident participants in society and achieve their full potential. A merits and rewards system and counselling service encourages students to take responsibility for their own behaviour. Parents and carers are encouraged to take part in College decision making processes. MVC provides a Year 9 and 10 program for students ‘at risk’ of not achieving a basic high school education and a Year 11 and 12 Senior College where students study for their HSC or ROSA. The program operates daily from 9.10am to 3.00pm. HSC/ROSA students attend between 2 and 5 days per week. The program offers mandatory Board of Studies NSW courses, as well as music, arts, cultural links with community and Elders, Dhanggati language, Vocational Education and Training (VET), Work Placement, a variety of interest electives and sports. Literacy and Numeracy programs focus on writing and finances for living. Small classes enable individualised and flexible learning.

Two schools, Newington College and Queenwood School, regularly assist Macleay Vocational College through cash donations.[1]

Facilities

Positive outcomes, indicating the success of this program, include: making a difference to a young person’s life, student attendance and re-engagement with education, growth in personal development and social and cultural awareness, academic attainment and positive transitions. Credentialed attainment: In 2012, 8 students sat for the NSW Higher School Certificate in 7 courses with 100% of candidates in Visual Arts achieving a Band 3 or higher. Two accelerated Year 11 students completed HSC Human Services; one of whom obtained the VET Certificate III. Destinations and pathways: Include employment, traineeships and continued studies at MVC, other schools, university and TAFE. Consistently 85% of MVC graduates are in employment or further education within 12 months. Engagement and participation in learning: In 2012, 70% of Year 9 students completed external examinations, 7 of the 8 Year 12’s participated in vocational training and all students achieved a Statement of Attainment for complete modules. Over 50% of Year 11 completed VET modules. Health and well-being: Research with students and teachers illustrates positive impacts as students are no longer getting in trouble with the police and display an increase in self-confidence (2008). Civic/community participation: Beginning as an attempt to combat cruelty to animals, students breed and show Sebright chickens and have won a number of prizes around Australia. Students participate in NAIDOC Week, the local ANZAC service, Landcare and ‘Waste Into Art’ environmental projects, Deadly Days and One Deadly Step Health Program community events and assist with Salvation Army and Red Cross appeals and a preschool reading program. Productive partnerships: Over 25 local businesses provide training placements for students. MVC works closely with NSW and Community Health to provide mentoring, and programs in mental health, sexual health, drugs and alcohol and relationships such as Love Bites. External recognition: The retired MVC Principal (2011) was awarded a Fellowship of the Australian College of Educators and a teacher received an ACE award (2012). The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations cited MVC as an exemplar in Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage Annual Report (2011). Wider influence: In 2009, the school published a case study in the academic book Making Schools Different demonstrating how pedagogy can be done differently in practice. The school has a creche which served as a library until Principal Mark Morrison orchestrated its conversion circa 2012.[1]

References
  1. Taylor, Kristine; Susan Chenery (2019-11-04). "Behind the gates of Australia's 'last chance' high school". ABC (Australia). Retrieved 2020-01-27.
  2. "College & Facilities". Macleay Valley Workplace Learning Centre Inc. Retrieved 2020-01-27.


Further reading

Te Riele, K. (2008) Negotiating Risk and Hope. Alternative Education for Marginalised Youth. Extended Research Report for Macleay Vocational College. June 2008. UTS ECRG-funded project. University of Technology Sydney, Study of ‘Doing School Differently’, Chapter 10 Pedagogy, Dr. Kitty Te Riele, Sage Publication 2009 Publication: Macleay Vocational College Inaugural School Magazine 2002-2009. A Supportive, Dynamic Learning Environment. Ms. Jann Eason, Founder of the Macleay Vocational College Kempsey, 1999]


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