By Jaidyn Kennedy
The Hester Hornbrook Academy (HHA) is getting set to open its Werribee campus to provide an alternative to the mainstream education system for disengaged young people in Melbourne’s west.
Opening on Friday, February 21, the independent school will provide free and flexible services to help young people aged 15-25 to improve numeracy and literacy skills, as well as complete secondary school qualifications certificate.
Each classroom will hold 22 students who will be supported by three youth workers, while meals, showers and laundry facilities will be available.
Many of the HHA’s students come from disruptive circumstances such as poverty or family violence and might find otherwise traditional schools prohibitive to learning.
Executive principal Sally Lasslett said coming to school and learning is pretty difficult and the focus of a student’s brain isn’t on learning if they haven’t been able to sleep or eat and do what’s important.
“When they are able to tap into psychological support, their lives do change,” she said.
According to Ms Lasslett, the lack of tailored support resources at mainstream schools and the time each individual student needs are key factors that necessitate alternative models of learning.
Ms Lasslett said that more than 180 students from across Melbourne’s west are currently enrolled and the school is expected to reach its capacity of 200 by the end of March.
“It goes to the nature of the need for alternative school settings in the area,” she said.
“When they are empowered, extend [their] learning, social connections and peer relationships, they become role models for junior members that come.
“We look forward to becoming part of the Werribee and Wyndham Community and inviting the community to see the school.”
Part of the Melbourne City Mission Group, HHA currently has campuses in the CBD, Prahran, South Melbourne and Sunshine.
