ET Australia Secondary College (ETASC), based in the Gosford CBD, has won a national innovation award.
The CoAct National Awards winners were announced at a national conference at Old Parliament House in Canberra. “Winning the award for innovation was a great surprise as we competed against 14 strong applications from around Australia,” ETASC school principal, Mr Tony Mylan said. “Since opening the high school in 2013, we have had great support from locals, including parents and students, as well as Gosford CBD business people who have been very keen to work with our school.
“They have supported us to provide valuable pathways to jobs for our students. “Winning this award is further evidence that the school model is bringing results,” he said. The award included a $10,000 cash prize to be used to fund and make available more scholarship places for students at the school.
The Steve Lawrence Innovation Award is presented annually by CoAct, a national network of local community service providers working together to create social and economic opportunities for Australia. “ETASC has won the Innovation Award this year in recognition that young people are succeeding with their education and career goals through the supportive school environment ETASC has developed,” Mr Mylan said. “The high school for year nine and year ten students is a small school model established in an alternative setting to mainstream schools.
“Our small and supportive school setting provides the right environment for dedicated professional teachers to help students build their academic skills, and knowledge. “The school creatively and individually engages students to focus on literacy and numeracy, and prepares students for the world of work by helping them to develop a work ethic.
“The school offers a very different learning environment and being in the centre of the Gosford CBD has proved to be a great location for students from across the Central Coast. “Students study mathematics, English, science, history, geography and PDHPE from the NSW curriculum preparing them for progression to Year 11 and 12 and into the workforce.
“Of the 38 graduating year 10 students from 2014, 37 went on to further their education and working career by choosing to undertake Year 11 studies, vocational qualifi cations, or have already been placed into employment across the Central Coast and beyond.
Media release, 9 July 2015
Natalie Wilson, ET
Australia