The AYCE (Access Yea Community Education) Program aims at providing education for students who, for a wide variety of reasons, are not enrolled at a school. In 1999 the school ran a pilot program and, in practice, the program attracted mainly students who had been, up until that time, home educated.
By the end of 2005, the program had extended to eight off-campus centres. The program is able to be suited to all age groups, including students who have left school before doing their VCE. It is a requirement that students are enrolled at a school in order for them to attempt their VCE, and this program gives students not attending a mainstream school, the opportunity to access this qualification.
The program requires weekly attendance at the centre of choice, and compulsory attendance two days a term at Yea High School for a meeting from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. between teachers, parents, students and administration. This day also allows for classes, practical work, contact with other students and parents, access to specialist teachers and time to use resources held at the school. Students have the use of the Science Laboratory and Science equipment, Careers Room with career advice and guidance and a variety of Technology rooms. Attendance on this day is essential to the success of the program.
Many home ed students use this program as a transition to formal study.
Telephone: (03) 9758 6604
Facsimile: (03) 9758 6510
Address: Racecourse Road, Yea 3717
Website: http://www.yeahs.vic.edu.au
Email: ayce.yhs@bigpond.com
AYCE Program Leader: Mrs Annette Scales
We visited the Frankston AYCE centre and received a lovely welcoming from staff and students. We were able to have more time than expected to talk over needs and expectations and went home with samples of some work available. I was left with the impression of a respectful and encouraging work environment.