School: Canobolas Rural Technology High School (NSW)
Partner: Orange Campus, Western Institute TAFE
Canobolas Rural Technology High School formed a collaboration with neighbouring schools, Anson St School, Blayney High School, Molong Central School and Orange High School, to partner with Orange Campus Western Institute of TAFE to increase curriculum opportunities for senior students. Canobolas has a current enrolment of 773 with a 22 per cent Indigenous student population. The school is a regional comprehensive high school drawing students from low socio-economic areas. A drop in enrolment figures between 2004 and 2007 saw the school having to reduce the range of subjects offered. The principals of the secondary schools collaborated to form a partnership with the TAFE to create a program to cater for the senior students' need for further opportunities.
The collaboration between schools led to the creation of the e2: extending education program. The partnership with the Orange campus of the Western Institute of TAFE meant the schools could provide a broader curriculum by offering an additional seventeen subjects to senior students. The TAFE provides Vocational Education and Training to the senior students through the various subjects offered. The schools have used flexible teaching structures to enable students to participate in the extra subjects offered by the TAFE without missing out on school based curriculum. The partners established the Super Wednesday initiative to offer students TAFE-based learning on this day each week. Morning and afternoon sessions were made available to maximise student opportunity to engage and participate. The education and training provided by the TAFE is recognised for its ability to engage and retain students and offer pathways to further education and employment.
All participating schools have seen an increase in enrolment and retention rates since the implementation of the additional curriculum opportunities. Canobolas High School, in particular has shown a marked improvement in student numbers. The success of the program has led to further subjects and certificates becoming available to students across Western NSW Region through participation in a number of other programs, such as Healthe2 (a program that offers Certificate III in Human Services with an option to study two first year Bachelor of Nursing subjects through Charles Sturt University), Certificate III Children's Services and Indigenous Primary Health Care. These opportunities have become possible for students due to the continuing partnership with the Western Institute of TAFE. TAFE has also benefited through the increase in student enrolments and new courses they have been able to develop.
The Canobolas Rural Technology High School has gained a reputation for the improved quality of education being provided because of its participation in the e2 schools partnership. Increased staff retention rates have resulted from the rise in enrolment levels and student expectations and outcomes have improved due to the broader educational opportunities accessible to them. The professional learning and sharing between teachers within the e2 schools and with the wider education community have contributed significantly to the success of e2 and the resulting professional growth of the e2 schools and TAFE partnership.
The Impact award funds will be invested back into the program to provide greater mentoring for students and further improvement of specific school education areas to develop new pathways for students. The funds will also be used for professional training for teachers to further enhance student outcomes.
