THE BackTrack complex in Armidale now includes a two day a week classroom where 13 boys are catching up on the school work they never quite mastered.
Duty MLC for the Northern Tablelands Sarah Mitchell, who visited the classroom last week said although the setting was unorthodox the enthusiasm and participation of the students was more than impressive.
“It’s great to see these young people who have not responded to school education, now enjoying the classroom experience,” she said.
“The attendance rate at the BackTrack school is phenomenal given that most of the boys participating previously had a school record of truancy and non-attendance.”
The Department of Education and Communities (DEC) has allocated a teacher for the two days to work on-site with the boys, bringing them up to speed with numeracy, literacy and new technology. Twenty laptops have been secured and the students will have access to the University of New England online Quick Smart numeracy program and eMe – an online vocational training program first trialled at Armidale High School.
DEC Project Officer Carolyn Lupton said individual learning plans were being developed for each of the participants from Armidale High, Duval High and the Walcha and Uralla Central Schools.
“Depending on their age their course may also include some vocational training such as Certificate II in Agriculture combined with work placement and experience,” she said.
“We are very encouraged with the response so far as the boys can see a way forward. They turn up because they want to improve their literacy and numeracy skills which will enable them to gain their driver’s licence, natonally recognised training and ultimately employment.
“Where they were previously discouraged by their failure to achieve results, they are now blossoming as they find they can make good progress and a better understanding at a pace that suits them.”
Jobs Australia CEO Nigel Barlow said BackTrack, which comes under his organisation’s umbrella, already had an outstanding record in preparing young people for the workplace.
“It is well-known that lack of literacy and numeracy skills is a barrier for many people looking for jobs,” he said.
“These days you need to be able to read and write proficiently and also have computer skills to compete on the labour market.”
