In partnership with Communities at Work
Galilee School – a different kind of school for those needing something different.
Mainstream schools don’t work for everyone. Galilee School fills a unique niche in our local community as the only special assistance school in the Canberra region for students in Years 7–12 who have struggled in mainstream education due to complex life challenges. These young people are often at risk of being left behind — but with the right support, they can thrive.
Galilee School offers these students an alternative path to success through its unique wrap-around support programs. It provides them with everything they need to succeed: food, transport, school supplies, youth worker support, small class sizes, individualised learning programs, and much more.
Galilee School is a registered school, and it strives to provide the highest standard of education that it can to its students – and the supports needed to help them succeed.
At Galilee School students find a safe place where they’re seen, heard, and believed in; where they can achieve a future they never thought possible.
The school has a team of highly skilled educators, youth workers and support staff who provide students with a quality education aligned with the Australian Curriculum and the ACT Board of Senior Secondary Studies for Year 11 and 12 programs.
Its Senior Secondary College offers a boutique range of accredited (A) subjects that have been strategically identified with the support of the ACT Board of Senior Secondary Studies (BSSS) to enable students who struggle in mainstream school environments to achieve their ACT (Year 12) Senior Secondary Certificate.
Galilee School also provides training and job-ready support to increase students’ education and employment opportunities when transitioning to the workforce or to further education.
Learn more about Galilee School.
Farm Skills Program
The Lions Youth Haven Farm Skills Program assists disengaged students to re-engage with learning. The program includes training in farming practices, environmental studies, cooking, gardening, maintenance, construction and horticulture. As well as educational outcomes the students receive encouragement and positive experiences with improvement of self-confidence, self-esteem, social skills and mental wellbeing being major program goals.
In partnership with the ACT Woodcraft Guild
The Woodcraft Guild has for 13 years conducted its highly successful Student Woodworking Program which takes place at their workshop on the Lions Youth Haven property.
Students work closely with experienced Guild mentors on individual and group projects in a safe, enjoyable and productive environment. Students identify projects that are of particular interest to them and work with a Guild Mentor with specific woodworking experience related to their chosen project. The program covers a wide range of projects, commencing with Woodwork 101; where students are introduced to the basic function of woodworking tools.
The critical aspect is to ensure the student takes ownership from an early stage. It is the journey, not the end result, which gives the student the most satisfaction and final reward. Importantly, each student is able to progress at their own speed and level of difficulty, and use their creativity to make the project their own unique creation.
Consistent feedback from the schools has proven the program’s effectiveness with improved student performance and attentiveness in their regular classroom environment.
Workplace Learning Programs
Lions Youth Haven operates a Workplace Learning Program through the ACT government’s WEX Program.
Work Experience (WEX) supports secondary students to:
- test career choices by giving them a chance to see different aspects of work
- get ready to move from school to working life.
It is a short to medium term unpaid work placement which contributes to the students school curriculum. The program allows the students to observe, assist and learn while being overseen by the Farm Manager. This gives the students hands on experience in farming and agriculture, the opportunity to build skills and provides pathways to further employment and studies.
As well as providing learning opportunities for the students, the young people involved in the program are a valued part of the Lions Youth Haven team. They bring fresh energy and ideas to our work team and an extra set of hands during busy periods.