Pakenham Consolidated School has taken an innovative approach to engaging vulnerable learners through their Hands On Learning Program (HOP).
Based on a detailed analysis of school-based data and research, the school identified a need to differentiate an approach to educating their vulnerable and most disengaged learners, one that would encourage participation and improve learner experience.
Aligned with the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model (VTML), the HOP was designed by staff with the support of Hands On Learning Australia to deliver a blended approach of explicit teaching and applied learning, including real-life problem solving and community engagement.
Focusing on improving student wellbeing, the HOP is carefully structured with expectations, boundaries and consistency to allow all students to not only achieve, but thrive in a safe environment.
NAPLAN results reveal students' achievement has increased significantly to above state growth in reading, writing and numeracy. Staff also identified that 67 per cent of students who attended HOP demonstrated improvement in classroom engagement within a term.