Hands On Learning Program (HoL)

A STRENGTH-BASED AND TRAUMA-INFORMED LEARNING APPROACH

At Craigieburn Secondary College we believe every student has the right to learn, hence it is important to us to diversify a student?s learning opportunities to maximise engagement.

Hands on Learning is a�54reasons practical school program that aims to build wellbeing, engagement, and attendance by creating opportunities for students to discover their talents and experience success through significant and authentic hands-on projects. The HoL program methodology cultivates safety and belonging at school through carefully structured routines and positive relationships. Students undertake meaningful, small-group projects that are student-led, building student leadership skills, commitment, and teamwork. The program offers daily reflective practice which allows students to build intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, target specific areas of behaviour and build empathy, responsibility, and resilience.

Students are referred to the HoL program if they are experiencing the below challenges at school:

• Social withdrawal
• Health and Wellbeing Challenges
• Academically withdrawn
• Need for social and emotional resilience
• Lack of engagement in learning
• Sporadic school attendance

Students are also referred if they could benefit from the following things:

• A chance to develop leadership skills
• An opportunity to enhance their learning experience
• Developing their interest in trade or vocational skills

Hands on Learning has four essential pillars which underpin the work we do and the goals we have for our students, they are:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. A place to belong
                                 2. People to belong to
                                 3. Real things to do
                                 4. A chance to give back

Our program staff impart skills-based knowledge, facilitate building projects, and embed communication and emotional regulation skills. This builds self-confidence and self-esteem in our students that allows them to thrive back in the classroom or out in the real world.

?The evidence is all there ? from the kids who re-engage with education after joining Hands on Learning, the teachers who support them to grow, and the parents who see the positive changes in their children ? this is a program that genuinely helps our future generations realise their passions and turn them to success? 

Daniel Ricciardo ? HoL Ambassador

If you are interested to find out more about the Hands-on Learning (HoL) Program at Craigieburn Secondary College, please do not hesitate in contacting the Program Leader at hla@craigieburnsc.vic.edu.au or phone 9308 1144.