What happens when young teens just do not “ fit ” into a mainstream school ? There are many reasons why this happens – complex issues at home , bullying and anxiety to name just a few . Until now there has been little option other than home school – which often doesn ’ t work with this age group due to low self-esteem leading to a lack of motivation . Without intervention they risk falling through the cracks .

In January 2021 , Gateway Community High will open its doors to Year 9 and 10 students who will thrive outside the conventional schooling system . An initiative of Macquarie Community College , the idea for the new independent high school , located at Carlingford , came about when educators reimagined the middle-high school experience for young people who don ’ t necessarily fit the standard mould .

“ Our alternative

Macquarie Community College CEO , Theresa Collignon . Photo : Anna Zhu .

approaches will be unique - our students will be expected to be the drivers of their own educational destiny . It ’ s a place of flexible , engaging and practical learning where students can reconnect with their learning ” noted Macquarie Community College CEO , Theresa Collignon .

With so many disruptions to education this year , there ’ s never been a greater need for a community school like this . It will enable students to complete the Year 10 NSW Record of School Achievement ( ROSA ), and provide a gateway to ongoing education or training , whether that be Year 11 and 12 or vocational training .

“ Education is the pathway to empowerment ,” says Ms Collignon . “ If a student misses a chunk of learning , for whatever reason , this can have significant consequences for their future and the future of their community .”

Seventy years of providing highly successful support-based vocational education for adults who face barriers to learning gave educators at Macquarie Community College insight into how they could develop a program that would revolutionise the education experience for disengaged high schoolers . “ We are creating the opportunity for students to participate in a positive , personalised and inclusive learning environment . We engage students in experiential-style learning , provide specialist language , literacy or numeracy help where necessary , and build in additional time for students to pursue their own interests and projects . We ’ re confident this program gives students the boost they need ” says Ms Collignon .

Gateway Community High is not a special needs or behavioural school – It ’ s an alternative high school with tailored support and special assistance dedicated to students who are unique in their own way and who :

• Will thrive outside a mainstream educational environment

• Are looking for a place of belonging and safety

• Are interested in learning and willing to put in the effort to succeed

• Would benefit from extra support and attention to re-engage in their education

• May have missed some language , literacy or numeracy fundamentals

• Are looking to build their pathway to future Vocational Education Training ( VET ) or Year 11 and 12 studies .

We welcome you to come and visit our school and speak to the newly appointed Head of School , Mr Roger Ashcroft and CEO Theresa Collignon .

Gateway Community High is hosting three open days :

• Wednesday 11th November 4PM to 6PM

• Saturday 14th November 10AM to 12PM

• Thursday 19th November 4PM to 6PM

Due to COVID-19 bookings are essential and tours will be conducted in small family groups .

Please book at https :// www . gatewaycommunityhigh . nsw . edu . au / open-day

For further information please call ( 02 ) 8845 8835 , email info @ gatewaycommunityhigh . nsw . edu . au or visit www . gatewaycommunityhigh . nsw . edu . au

30 ISSUE 65 // NOVEMBER 2020 www . hdinews . com . au THE HILLS INDEPENDENT