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Blacktown Youth College, an alternative community school, develops hope of a brighter future for young people through a new beginning in education and a diverse holistic program.
The college fosters the opportunity for change by nurturing individual talents, personal growth and the full potential of each student. |
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Blacktown Youth College in Bidwill is an independent, government funded school, meeting the educational and social needs of troubled adolescents, who are excluded from, or not coping with, mainstream schooling.
It is the aim of Blacktown Youth College to offer each student the opportunity for shared learning in a positive and constructive environment.
We value the unique participation of each person within the school community. We recognize the need to foster and enhance their individual talents, as well as encourage them to strive for and celebrate an increased measure for academic success.
It is hoped that each student, at the completion of their studies for their Record of School Achievement at Blacktown Youth College, will experience the satisfaction that comes from their success to date, as well as from the recognition of their potential for continued personal development.
In 2013, the school will be offering subjects with a more vocational emphasis ie. Food Technology and Wood Technology.
The school also offers each student access to the latest education technology and a purpose built computer room to foster individual learning.
Students are also able to participate in our free Learn to Drive Program once they have turned 16 years old. |
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In late 1997, the first Youth College opened in Blacktown followed by Colleges at Bidwill and Penrith. There are two other campuses: at Lawson in the Blue Mountains and in Broken Hill in NSW.
The Bidwill campus currently has a diverse student population of approx 160.
Many students arrive without basic skills. To overcome the ‘gap’ in their education, Blacktown Youth College provides one-on-one coaching in reading, writing and mathematics.
Over the past 10 years, over 200 adolescents - 40% from indigenous backgrounds - have attended the Youth Colleges. 120 students have gained their School Certificate. Of these, the vast majority would not have done so at their regular school. A number of students have gained places in selective high schools for years 11 and 12.
About 65% of students are in employment within a few months of graduating from Blacktown Youth College. As most students had poor references from their previous school, their time at the Youth Colleges is crucial to earning good references and using that to secure a job. |
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