Community education and support (VCAL) evaluation
The Brotherhood developed a community education and support project for young people based at the High Street Centre in Frankston.
Students work towards the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) in a community setting. A series of evaluations provide a sound evidence base to explore possibilities and constraints of applied learning opportunities for young people as an alternative to mainstream schools.
A 'taster' course was offered in 2009 to young people who were alienated from secondary school and were considering the Community VCAL course for 2010. Reports were produced for each year of the Community VCAL program, with the latest report (2014) also providing some overall insights.
This program led to the establishment of the David Scott School .
Reports
George Myconos 2014, Lessons from a flexible learning program: the Brotherhood of St Laurence Community VCAL education program for young people 2010–2013 (PDF, 279 KB)
George Myconos 2013, Successes and challenges in re-engagement: evaluating the third year of a Community VCAL education program (PDF, 168 KB)
Jennifer Hanson-Peterson 2013, Do teacher training programs equip teachers with skills to teach disengaged students? (PDF, 93 KB)
George Myconos 2012, Re-engagement, training and beyond: evaluating the second year of a Community VCAL education program for young people (PDF, 446 KB) ; Summary (PDF, 84 KB)
George Myconos 2011, A path to re-engagement: evaluating the first year of a Community VCAL education program for young people (PDF, 558 KB) Summary (PDF, 136 KB)
George Myconos 2010, A taste for learning: evaluating a pre-Community VCAL program (PDF, 251 KB)
Professional development
The Brotherhood and DEECD have together conducted professional development workshops:
Youth transitions on the Frankston Mornington Peninsula: what does success look like and how is it achieved?, April 2012
Improving student engagement on the Frankston Mornington Peninsula: sharing ideas, experience and knowledge, May 2011
Disengagement from secondary education in the Frankston Mornington Peninsula Region, November 2010