Bowen State High School
is continuing to develop Indigenous education programs through the Community
Education Counsellor (CEC) and the Indigenous Mentoring Program.
The Indigenous Mentor
Program supports students with classroom support, attendance and individual
mentoring in Bibigoo Yumba; the meeting place. The mentoring program was set up
to support the Federal Governments Close the Gap initiative of addressing the gap
between the educational outcomes, attendance and retention rates of Indigenous
and non-Indigenous students at the BSHS. BSHS’s CEC ensures that the cultural,
educational, emotional and social needs of Indigenous students are met. The
CEC’s core aim is to develop and implement additional activities and programs
that contribute to improving the educational outcomes of Indigenous students.
The programs that are
organised are supported by the students designing and implementing activities
to promote Reconciliation Week, Harmony Day, Sorry Day, NAIDOC and other
cultural activities at the school to support cultural awareness.
Annually, BSHS Indigenous
Education programs organises a cultural camp where Indigenous and
non-Indigenous students share the experiences of Indigenous cultures. The camp
encourages leadership, team building skills, reconciliation and cultural
inclusivity.
The Independent Learning
Centre provides opportunities for Indigenous students through the
Apprenticeship Readiness Program. The program consists of work experience and
career pathway tours. In particular, we have an Indigenous only program in
partnership with Aurizon that provides Indigenous students with an environment
where the students can gain confidence whilst gaining on the job
experience and skills to make the connection between school and industry. This
puts a perspective on the importance of school attendance and assists with
closing the gap.
School based traineeships
and school based apprenticeships are provided through opportunities that arise
within the community and ongoing partnerships between industry and Bowen State
High School. Our school also provides career pathway tours and work experience
to continue to support students in their transition from school to work. All
students have opportunities in Year 11 and 12 to complete certificate courses
at TAFE including engineering, automotive, tourism hospitality and electrical.