School Partnership Program Presenter: Hayley Cail School Partnership Program Co-ordinator Regional 1 May 2014 latrobe.edu.au CRICOS Provider 00115M The School Partnership Program Aims • To work collaboratively with schools to develop activities that provide extra curriculum support, academic preparation and increased awareness of university course offerings and careers. Building Education Aspiration: How far a student hopes to progress in school and the degree of education they seek to achieve La Trobe University 2 Why the School Partnership Project? The Importance of Education Education increases life expectancy Raises earnings by approximately 10% linked to better health and reduces illness La Trobe University 3 Metropolitan students are 1.5 times more likely to participate in higher education or higher level VET courses than their regional counterparts. La Trobe University 4 Factors influencing Aspiration Research into Education Aspiration for Regional Victoria, RPAC August 2013 Costs associated with undertaking post secondary qualifications Social Capital in regional community Expectations following school completion Local economic conditions (and employment opportunities) Personal views regarding the value and benefit of education Community attitudes regarding education Available transition support and assistance Socioeconomic status Eligibility for/access to financial support Student Education Aspiration Parental and family views regarding education Peer influences regarding education Year 12 completion and academic achievement prior to year 12 Opportunity cost associated (of not working) with further study Schooling experiences and attainment Knowledge of post secondary education career opportunities Highest level of parental education Expectations following School completion Influence of the mother on the child, including highest level of education Availability of support for “at risk” students and those who are disadvantaged La Trobe University 5 Interventions to improve educational aspirations Improved Career Education Improved Student Engagement Outreach Activities Improved year 12 completion rates Recruitment activities Upskilling career educators Encouraging student understanding of the value of education Improved parental and community Engagement Challenging family and community values and perceptions of education and learning Education regarding the value of post-school education Financial Support Transition Support Scholarships Financial , childcare and housing assistance Family financial support Paid employment Government income support Development of academic skills Source: Regional Policy Advisory Committee: Research into education aspiration for regional Victoria, August 2013 La Trobe University 6 Overall findings from 15 partnership Schools Between 2011 and 2013 there has been an increased proportion of: Students aspiring to higher education Teachers believing that students are aspiring to higher education Students and teachers affirming an understanding of issues related to university Students and teachers indicating that schools are promoting university participation Students actively engaging with La Trobe University Students accessing and using career information Teachers, particularly in regional areas, undertaking professional development through La Trobe University. La Trobe University 7 School Partnerships Program Regional Program Framework for School Engagement YEARS 7 -8 YEARS Discover LaTrobe Introduce Students to University Familiarise students with the University Campus and the people Build a sense of belonging and understand the university community Explore and Connect LaTrobe 9 -10 YEARS 11 - 12 La Trobe University Participate in a variety of interactive activities in undergraduate courses and explore future career possibilities Enrich school curriculum by connecting with Faculty led workshops Explore the connection between subject selections and post-secondary study Decide and Apply LaTrobe Investigate relevant pathway options and courses at LaTrobe university Understand University offerings and life as a University Student at LaTrobe Participate in VCE linked workshops to support student revision and completion of Assessments 8 Barriers to educational participation and aspiration Retention in and completion of secondary education Awareness of and exposure School retention Exposure to role models and experience Student engagement Access to information Specific difficulties in regional areas Personal characteristics and motivations Family background Parental educational attainment – especially the mother Community and peer attitudes Provision and access A lack of transition support and assistance Geographic barriers Isolation and lack of support Lack of public transport Comparative latter success Financial and cost concerns Social and emotional concerns Source: RPAC : Research into Educational Aspiration for Regional Victoria, August 2013 La Trobe University 9 Thank you Hayley Cail Schools Partnership Program Coordinator (Regional) T: 5444 7303| M: 0435 965 999 Email: h.cail@latrobe.edu.au latrobe.edu.au CRICOS Provider 00115M