Knowledge Bank
Increasing understanding of partnerships
In this section you’ll find reports, articles and other interesting material about school-community partnerships and improving the outcomes for our young people around Australia.
- Read the research behind Schools First in ACER’s Schools First Report
- Find out why there’s a call for a whole community approach to education in Beyond the Classroom
- Discover what’s working in our education and training system and what’s not in FYA’s How Young People Are Faring 2009 report
Schools First Report – the research behind the Awards program
Completed in 2008 by ACER, the Schools First Report aimed to provide a context and an evidence base for the Schools First Awards – particularly the key criteria that were developed for the program.
The basis of the report was a literature review. The review had three parts:
- an overview of the concept of social capital and its relationship to school-community partnerships and school improvement
- an outline of several effective school-community partnerships
- a review of a number of national and international award schemes.
The literature review indicated that strong partnerships between schools and local community organisations can make a significant difference to outcomes for young people. Benefits can include
- increased skills
- greater engagement with learning
- improved transitions into the workforce, further education or training.
Download the summary (PDF 90KB – 4 pages)
Download the full report (PDF 324KB – 65 pages)
Be inspired and discover some award winning case studies.
Beyond the Classroom: research calling for whole community responsibility
Beyond the Classroom, by FYA Senior Research Manager Rosalyn Black, was published in 2008.
Based on findings from a year-long research project, the book offers a clear strategy through the uncertainty and controversy that surrounds current education debates.
The core message from the book is that if we continue to undertake the current piecemeal reforms to schooling, the gaps in education will keep widening.
To continue down that path translates to limited opportunities for many young people in Australia.
Find out more or order the book from the ACER Press online shop.
How Young People Are Faring 2009 report
The How Young People Are Faring (HYPAF) 2009 report commissioned by The Foundation for Young Australians (FYA) provides important update about the learning and work situation of young Australians. The 2009 report’s primary focus was how the global economic downturn has impacted young people’s aspirations, education pathways and employment opportunities.
The major research report shows that there’s been a sharp increase in
the rate 
of youth 'disengagement' from work and study. But this is just one
of the report’s findings that is causing concern about the declining wellbeing
of young people in Australia.
Download HYPAF 2009: At A Glance
Download the full report
Note: These downloads are located on the FYA website fya.org.au.
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