Independent Learning Centre

About Us

The Independent Learning Centre opened its doors in January 2007 as a cooperative pilot program between the State Government’s Department of Education and Children’s Services (DECD) and the Federal Government’s FOCiS on Youth initiative, and, later the Innovative Community Action Networks (ICAN) initiative.

Our students are teenagers who have either become disengaged from school or who have left school early in the hope of gaining employment, Many of them have experienced issues which would normally act as a barrier to learning and positive community participation, such as bullying, pregnancy, parenthood, mental and health issues, family issues, lack of flexibility at the host school and years of non-attendance.

The ILC's key priority is to help these young people complete their South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) and provide pathways to vocational training and employment through a more flexible approach to learning and individual case management.

The ILC facilitates a range of community-based programs to equip students with skills designed to assist their transition into the community in a productive and positive way, and also works to re-engage students into local school programs and to assist schools with initiatives to develop more flexible approaches within their curriculum.

Troy Bell, Louise Johnson, and Kate Barnes were the prime movers of this program along with Robert Barton, Christine Hart and Deb Thompson.

In 2008 funding for the Centre changed and we came under the Innovative Community Action Networks Initiative (DECD) which meant that only students aged 16-19 who require community based re-engagement programs with extensive external off site case management could be enrolled.

In 2011 Troy Bell was appointed as Manager of the ILC and introduced the concept of linking with Millicent High School to run "Try a Trade" programs in Automotive, Building Trades and Engineering. These programs give students the opportunity to experience differing trades and develop skills in a non-threatening and supportive way.

Experienced tradesmen act as mentors to assist students with developing the skills, attitudes and attributes expected by employers. New subjects in literacy, numeracy and Outdoor Education complement the Personal Learning Plan, Community Studies, Research Project and Workplace Studies offered for students to complete the SACE.

Staff now include Troy Bell (Manager) Christine Hart and Palma Edmonds (Youth Workers), Ben Heathcote, Maureen Whitehead, Rosie Collins, Vicki Ridley, Daniel Kane, and John Pocock (Teachers), Daniel Clark, Mark Walters, Steve Jankowicz (Instructors), Deb Thompson (Front Office Manager), Margaret Jupe (Administration), and Joel Panther (IT Support + Instructor).

2010

Student’s age range from 16-20 years
145 students were enrolled in Centre (71 male & 74 female)
87 were enrolled at Stage 2 (38 male & 49 female)
58 were enrolled at Stage 1 (26 male & 32 female)
13 ATSI students enrolled (6 male & 7 female)
23 students were identified with disabilities from DECD assessments
45 (31%) students identified with Mental health issues
2 students with physical disabilities
5 students with learning disabilities
12 students are young parents 12 students are expectant parents
90 students (62%) are High Risk
28 students (19%) are Medium Risk
27 students (18%) are Low Risk
99 (68%) of students receive Centrelink Payments
77 (53%) of students were Centrelink referrals & assisted by the ILC 83 (57%) of students are living independently
12 students await housing
17 students are Young Offenders
76 (57%) of students have been referred to other agencies

Outcomes

58 students completed the SACE
23 students completed complete Stage 1
96 students in TAFE or work related programs
11 students have completed Certificate 3
12 students have completed Certificate 2
4 students completed Responsible Service of Alcohol
391 TAFE units were completed by students
18 students have gained full, part-time or casual employment
2 students have gained apprenticeships
3 students are in traineeships
14 students have obtained a Learner’s Permit
1 student has obtained their motorcycle licence
3 students have obtained a forklift licence
7 students have completed a First Aid certification
2 students are enrolled in Skills Centres at GHS
3 students are enrolled in Skills Centres at MGHS
52 students engaged in ILC Programs including:
- Moving On
- Graduated School to Work
- Community Mentoring
- Community Works
- Young Parent Group
- Mulga Street Playgroup Work Club (Basic Skills for Work)
- Look Good, Feel Good
- Baby? Think It Over
- Prepare for TAFE
- Inside Your Head
- Nutrition Program Budgeting Workshops
- Little Steps Program
- Girls with Purpose (Lifehouse)
- Dove Self-Esteem 2007-09

2007 - 2009 Statistics

Student’s age ranged from 16-23years
262 students were enrolled (103 Male & 159 Female)
139 were enrolled at Stage 2 (42 male & 97 female)
123 were enrolled at Stage 1 (61 male & 62 female)
80 students have completed the SACE
84 students have completed Stage 1
All students have completed more than one SACE unit
2 students have enrolled in the University of SA
1 student achieved an Outstanding Achievement
19 Indigenous students enrolled – 8 achieved their SACE – 7 achieved Stage 1
47% were high risk
24% were medium risk
29% were low risk
99 were employed full or part-time
136 were enrolled in TAFE courses
88 students were referred to the Career Development Centre
10 students gained their First Aid certificates
4 students obtained a Fork Lift Licence
11 students obtained a Learner’s licence
9 students obtained ‘P’ Licence
45 were young parents
11 were pregnant students
2 students were Aust. School Based Apprentices (Office Operations & ICT) at the ILC
5 were enrolled in Skills Centres at Mt Gambier High School
1 student was enrolled in Psychology at Grant High School
15 students were involved in the Target Work program
2 students were on the Youth Affairs Council
2 students were nominated for VET Student of the Year

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