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Focus Programs: FIP & SITE

 

 An important part of the Dickson College philosophy is a commitment to the support and assistance of all students. The College recognises that some students have specific needs and tries to meet these through its wide range of offerings.
 
Focus Programs respond to the specific needs of particular groups of students within the College community, consistent with the College's philosophy to support and assist all students.
 
The Dickson College campus is the setting for a number of educational programs including the ACT Year 12 Certificate, Secondary Introductory English Centre Program, Foundations for Independence Program, Talented Sports Program and the SITE Program.

Foundations for Independence Program (A)

*Click here for a brochure

 

 The Foundations for Independence Program (FIP) provides an opportunity for students with special needs to complete a package of study related to their future options in a range of areas including further education, work, accommodation and recreation.
 
In their studies students will combine courses which focus on vocational, social and independent living skills with courses from the mainstream college. An important part of assisting students prepare for the transition from College is to make links with community facilities and services which may be of use to them in the future. This is achieved through a wide range of community visits and guest speakers. Where necessary students will be supported in the College to participate successfully in their chosen courses.
 
Students enrolling in the Foundations for Independence Program must have completed Year 10 studies in a special education setting or be assessed by a special needs counsellor as meeting the criteria for access to a place in the program. Information is easily available to parents by phoning the College.
 
Successful completion of the two year program leads to the awarding of an ACT Year 12 Certificate.

The SITE Program
A Personal Learning Environment

At the core of the SITE Program is a belief that effective human relationships between individuals who are working together, provides the best basis for learning and educational progress. A close rapport is central to the relationship between staff and students. Close contact is maintained with parents/guardians to monitor attendance, social and academic progress. The aim is to foster a mature approach where students are able to take responisbility for the decisions they make about present and future directions.

Who will benefit from the program?


The SITE Program is designed for those students whose needs cannot be met in traditional school settings. The college and its staff have a commitment to student sucess; in return students will demonstrate a commitment to their own success.


The SITE Program provides:

An opportunity for students to gain a Year 10 Certificate.
Preparation for continuing studies at college, CIT or in employment.
Increased confidence and self esteem that result from personal success and achievement.
A more mature relationship between staff and students.
A smaller, more flexible learning setting.
Individualised care and attention.
The opportunity to access mainstream college courses while completing a high school program, when appropriate.
For acknowledging the life issues affecting each student and catering for the impact this has on individual progress.
The Education Program
The SITE Program emphasises students' present and future needs in relation to the acquisition of skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to:

Build self-esteem and foster good relationships.
Gain access to further education and training.
Make a successful transition into the workplace.
Lead a satisfying and productive life.
The program has courses of study in the core areas of:

English.
Mathematics.
Science.
Studies of Society and the Environment.
Information Technology is integrated in all courses where possible.
The program also offers a number of elective choices, designed to be of interest and benefit to students. These may include the areas of music, art, sport, ceramics and technology.
 
The program encourages students to participate in work experience, and make frequent use of opportunities in the Canberra region.


Students in the SITE Program make a commitment to:

Abide by college guidelines for participation in a college program.
Actively participate in the education program.
Attend all classes.
Respect other people and their property.
Allow others the right to their educational program without disruption.
Take an active role in determining their own progress.
Not misuse legal or illegal substances.
How to enrol:
Any student who wishes to enrol must, with a parent or guardian:

Make an appointment to attend an interview.
Attend an interview with the selection panel.
Consider if the SITE Program can meet the needs of the student.
Be able to accept the student commitments above.
Agree to a probationary period as determined by the selection panel.
For more information contact:
The SITE program
Phone: (02) 6205 6455
Fax: (02) 6205 6462
Phillip Avenue, Dickson, ACT 2602.
www.dicksonc.act.edu.au

Individual Learning Program (R)

 Class time is used to work on set tasks from other classes. It is to be stressed that students work at their own pace and take responsibility in planning their tasks. The teacher will help with time management, study skills and careers education as the need arises. This unit is recommended for students who would like an opportunity to improve their performance in their chosen area of study. There is a special emphasis in addressing literacy and numeracy.