WAVE and Tailored Learning Provision
The WAVE program is an alternative learning and pathways program for students at Wirreanda Secondary School. WAVE engages students through an individualised approach, which includes specialised student-centred case management allowing identification of students’ goals and interests; removing any barriers to ensure students achieve their desired goals. This program is open from year 8 to 12, allowing students to access a middle and senior school curriculum.
The WAVE program is located on the grounds of Wirreanda Secondary School. To be eligible for the WAVE program the young person must meet the Tailored Learning criteria.
Tailored Learning Provision (TLP)
Tailored Learning Provision is a Department for Education enrolment strategy to successfully engage and retain identified students in secondary schools. TLP provides students at risk of disengaging from education due to significant and often multiple personal barriers. This provision is a redesign of the Flexible Learning Options (FLO) model, which was first established in 2007. TLP is a key project of the department’s student engagement reforms.
A TLP enrolment allows the WAVE Program to provide students with individualised case management or mentorship and a learning program. Referrals to WAVE are made through Wirreanda Secondary School, with a limited number of places available.
What is Tailored Learning Provision?
To enrol in the WAVE program the young person and their parent or guardian must attend an interview with WAVE Staff. An agreement, which specifies the expectations of the course, must be signed prior to entry into the program.
WAVE Wellbeing
Wellbeing is a primary focus of the WAVE program. Many students have had negative experiences and mental health concerns, which have impacted their ability to achieve success at school. WAVE supports students with their wellbeing by providing:
- individual case management or mentorship
- access to school based mental health services or external support
- specialised curriculum which teaches students to improve their resilience, and reduce stress and anxiety
- small class sizes
- small group support
- the opportunity to participate in wellbeing activities, extracurricular activities, excursions and events that promote health and wellbeing.
Benefits of WAVE Program
- the centre is run using an adult and independent model of operation, which provides more flexibility for students
- adjustable and flexible SACE subject and course choices (school and/or Registered Training Organisations – RTO based)
- students have access to Case Managers from the Department of Education and Workskil Australia
- availability of specialised Literacy and Numeracy Intervention Programs
- additional support for subject and course completion
- support with RTO’s – course selections applications
- support with resumes, portfolios, cover letters, letters for job applications, interview skills and job search training
- monitoring and help from staff; all aiming to keep the student on track and experience success at school.
SACE Accreditation and Certificate Courses
Each student negotiates an individual timetable, which may include a combination of school based subjects and external certificate courses. Students can access WAVE facilities 5 days a week.
Students within the WAVE program will have the opportunity to complete their SACE through access to:
- Stage 1 EIF (Exploring identities and futures)
- Stage 1 Essential Maths
- Stage 1 Essential English
- Stage 1 or 2 Community Studies
- Stage 2 AIF (Activating identities and futures)
- Stage 1 Integrated Learning
- Some Stage 1 and 2 Mainstream subjects
- VET courses (Certificate I to III)
- short courses (First Aid, Barista, White Card)
- student volunteer army (SVA).
Programs
Student Volunteer Army
The Student Volunteer Army (SVA) is where the young people are provided with opportunities to improve employability and social skills through giving back to the community. Connections with a range of charities and organisations have been developed to enable young people to “shine” while making valuable community connections. The students at WAVE are involved in the program for the Student Volunteer Army (SVA) in South Australia. The organisation is a network of tens of thousands of volunteers who are committed to helping their local communities. Students who volunteer as part of this program feel empowered to make a tangible difference in the world through every day acts of service. This can be anything from mowing a neighbours’ lawn to taking action to reverse the effects of climate change.
WAVE Facility Dog
The WAVE Program at Wirreanda Secondary School are fortunate to have Iris the Facility Dog as part of their team. In partnership with Guide Dogs SA/NT, Iris will be working with students on their physical and emotional wellbeing, social development and learning enhancement. Iris has undertaken intensive training with Guide Dogs SA/NT to take on this role and has shown to be a great companion for students within the program.
WAVE staff and contacts
Students benefit from close contact with a diverse range of skilled staff including teachers, RTO trainers, tutors, Department of education mentors, Case Managers from the Department for Education and Workskil Australia and health workers.
All WAVE participants are provided with opportunities to discuss any problems and issues they may face in their lives. Case Management / Mentoring will be an integral part of each WAVE student’s learning program.
Work Placement / School Based Apprenticeship / Part Time Employment
For further information, please contact:
Karina Van De Wiel
Assistant Principal of WAVE/Alternative learning
Phone: 8329 7253
Email: Karina.vandewiel912@schools.sa.edu.au
WAVE participants are encouraged to engage in one or more of the following:
- work placement for their Vocational Education Training (VET) course
- an Australian School Based Apprenticeship
- part time employment
- volunteer work
- work experience.
Each of these can be used to gain SACE accreditation.
