Page 14 - CCLLEN Annual Report

Youth Partnerships Outcomes

Hands on Learning

Towards the end of term two, five local schools commenced the highly successful ‘Hands on
Learning’ program. Hands on Learning began in Frankston in 1999 and now operates in more than
90 schools in Victoria.
It is an innovative education program that caters to the different ways young people learn. Small
groups of students work collaboratively on authentic building projects that provide a platform for
students to engage, grow confidence and achieve success at school. Hands on Learning fosters
strong, long term relationships that help young people develop the skills and abilities they need
to succeed in work and life like collaboration, problem solving, communication, resilience and
empathy.
Together the schools shared the employment of an Artisan Teacher, who worked for a full day
in each school. St Joseph’s College and Echuca Specialist School students combined to work
together on the same day.
In each school the Artisan Teacher and the Hands on Learning students are supported by key staff.

Overall, student and teacher feedback has been positive. Students can see value in the program,
and the real-life skills it offers.

“Hands on Learning will help me with my skills. I love using the tools and it will help me with my
future.”
It will “prepare me for when I’m older. I also do cooking and the dishes too, which will help me when
I leave home.”
The Moama Bowling Club provided a grant for the purchase of a trailer and tools and School
Focused Youth Service provided funding for materials for the construction and gardening projects
at each school.

Key Data:
• 80% of students felt that their ability to try new things and take risks improved
• Their ability to work positively with a range of other students improved by 73%
• Students noted an improvement in their ability to communicate with other people
• Three out of five students indicated that Hands on Learning is the key reason that they have
been engaged and motivated to come to school
• Teachers feedback showed improved relationships with three out of five students

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