The Swan Extended Schools Hub

The Smith Family
In partnership with The Smith Family

Students attending schools in low socio-economic communities face a wide range of challenges that can adversely affect their educational outcomes. The Fogarty Foundation, The Smith Family and the Department of Education have established a partnership to create an Extended Schools Hub in Western Australia to help address some of these challenges using a collaborative and coordinated approach.

This Hub is based in the Midland/Swan region and involves a cluster of three primary schools and a senior high school. Its objective is to improve literacy and numeracy, advancement to year 12 and ultimately successful transition to post-secondary education and employment for the young people of Middle Swan, Swan View, Clayton View Primary Schools and Swan View Senior High School. The Hub will develop and implement a school-community partnership approach, tailored to the needs of the surrounding community, leveraging and coordinating services for young people and their families.

The initial focus of the Hub is centered on identifying the needs of young people. Surveys are being conducted with the Principals, teachers, families, Aboriginal employees and support staff, and will determine key priorities for the community.

The Swan Extended Schools Hub Committee

The consultation and analysis phase will continue throughout 2012 and will include a business and community survey to establish a deeper understanding of the needs, existing activities and services within the wider Midland community. The project team will link in with existing initiatives, committees and agencies to offer extended hours and diverse programs to children, young people and their families in order to meet the priorities identified in phase one.

The Hub is receiving an enthusiastic response from the school communities, who are welcoming the support, strategic input and enhanced interaction between the schools. It is hoped that the knowledge gained from this project will help develop the extended schools model in other schools.

Last update August 2012