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| Key College :: Background |
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| Key College is
an accredited independent high school in Surry Hills in inner Sydney. It operates
under the auspice of Youth
Off the Streets (YOTS), a NSW charity, and is one of three educational programs
operated by YOTS. As a registered independent school, Key College draws some
national and state funding on a per capita basis, but is largely dependent on
donations to and fund-raising by YOTS for its support.
Key College started in 1996 and caters for approximately nine to twelve students
at any one time.
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These students can be in Years 7 to 12, but the main pattern
is for them to be in Years 9 to 12, and aged between 14 and 19 years. There are
two full-time staff members who are "teachers, after-care workers, cleaners,
cooks and office staff" - as well as being advisers, counsellors and friends
to the students: at various times making appointments, arranging housing, advising
about careers. "We are everybody!" they say. In addition, volunteer teachers
conduct some specialist classes (eg in science) each week.
Students come from all over the Sydney metropolitan area to attend. There are
mainly living in youth refuges, have experienced substantially disrupted schooling,
and have had high support needs in the areas of homelessness, addiction and physical,
mental or sexual abuse.
Key College creates individual learning programs for these young people. It aims
to provide them with stability and motivation to overcome barriers to a positive
and healthy life. Personal development is encouraged and is a major component
of the College's program. It works with small numbers of young people who are
committed towards achievement of School Certificate (Year 10) and, to a lesser
extent, Higher School Certificate (Year 12).
The College's goal is that, in a successful year, approximately half a dozen
students will get their School Certificate with competitive marks. The aim is
also to develop the social skills of these young people. "It's about being able
to work with other people. … they're used to being individuals, looking
out for number one, which is how they've had to live … to survive. So,
working in groups, making decisions together and discussing things together [is
important]," says one staff member.
The school provides a consistent structure to achieve these individual goals,
and insists on students carrying through on their commitments. For example, the
school regularly follows up the attendance and punctuality of the young people;
a student must be there by about 9.20 am or have phoned in with information about
other appointments; they must show, by their approach to their studies, that
they seriously want to be there.
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