ESL Unit

Refugee Young People: Education and EmploymentPresented by Anita Calore

DEECD, ESL Unit

Friday 2 July 2010

ESL Support in Victoria

Phase One – The new arrivals program• Intensive English language programs for primary and

secondary aged students • Numeracy and literacy across the curriculum• Careers and transitions information/pathways

development for secondary aged students• Health and wellbeing focussed • Family/parent/carer engagement• Extra curricular activities eg sport and recreation• Homework support

New Arrivals in Victorian Government Schools

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

3 762 4 323 4 988 5 551 6 125 5 998

Main countries of origin and student numbers

2005 2009SudanAfghanistanIraqKenya EthiopiaCambodiaLiberiaIranSomaliaBurma

68021410675656453464637

AfghanistanBurma IraqThailand SudanEthiopiaIranSomalia Cambodia Kenya

2462131721551048372655953

Refugee “likely” Students in government schools

Prep Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6

448 448 584 667 669 550 554

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

Year 10

Year 11

Year 12

600 530 595 717 550 341

Based on Aug 09 census data

ESL Index funded students - statewideRegion Total

StudentsPrimary Secondary Pri/Sec

BSW 709 480 209 20

EMR 8 677 6 675 1 997 5

Gippsland 308 212 95 1

Grampians 232 173 41 18

Hume 822 562 257 3

LMR 565 382 148 35

NMR 9 066 7 811 1 001 254

SMR 12 601 9 755 2 262 584

WMR 10 524 7 781 1 528 1 215

Source: August Census, 2009 DEECD ESL Unit

Phase two – ESL transition programs for high needs refugee likely and at risk students

• Targeted intervention in networks/schools• English Language school/centres Transition Officers

• Transition initiatives programs

87 primary and secondary programs received additional support in 2010

Up to 3,500 students (in an Aust school 3 years or less) given additional support

Needs vary according to Age, previous educational and life experiences, literacy in first/other languages

Phase three- ESL Index funded schools

• Total ESL Index funding approximately $60 million• Total number ESL Index funded students 43 504• Total number of ESL Index funded schools 503

schools• Total number of ESL Index funded primary schools 366 • Total number of ESL Index funded secondary schools

119 • Total number of ESL Index funded pri/sec schools 18

schoolsSource: August Census, 2009 DEECD ESL Unit

Pathways • VCAL- foundation level, pre-VCAL, three year VCE, VET • TAFE • ACE programs

Features of the programs• Flexible learning programs• Learner centred programs• Authentic learning experiences • Supportive learning environments • Bilingual support • Pathway connections back to school or on to further education

and training • Skill and knowledge development in preparation for work

environment

Challenges for ESL students in secondary school

• Level of English when entering secondary school• Previous education experience• Age at entry to secondary school• Parent aspirations• Personal goals• Understanding a new education system

Challenges continued…..• Understanding the pathways to further

study• Seeking employment• Work readiness• Work experience• Networking and contacts• Learning to learn skills• Homework and study • Access to resources and computers• Being an adolescent • Settling into a new country

Implications for schools

• An increasing number of ESL learners require literacy, numeracy and content knowledge & skills as well as ESL support

• Settlement and well-being needs increase• Schools need to link to a range of support services outside the

school• Older ESL learners with disrupted schooling entering the school

system will need additional support and pathways advice• Parents of ESL students require support to understand our

education system and school expectations of them

How can schools support ESL students?• Provision of appropriate ESL support

including homework support• Pathway planning • Industry tasters• Work placements• Information nights for parents and

students with interpreters and Multicultural Education Aides

Families as partners in learning – New!!!

Connecting with local agencies

• Local Learning and Employment Networks

• University and TAFE providers• AMES and ACE providers• Local Industry• Local Government

Local resources • New arrivals programs (schools, centres, programs) • Transition officers• ESL Regional Program Officers (RPOs) • Network provision of transition programs • Secondary schools (facilities, coordinators, programs) • Universities, TAFEs, AMES, ACE providers• Local Learning and Employment Networks (LLENs)• Other community based organisations:

Migrant Resource Centres

Community groups

Settlement services providers

Resources

LMERC – Statewide Resource Centrewww.education.vic.gov.au/studentlearning/programs/lmerc/150 Palmerston Street Carlton (Carlton PS- lower level)

ESL Websitewww.education.vic.gov.au/studentlearning/programs/esl/default.htm

Local Learning and Employment Networkshttp://www.llen.vic.gov.au/

Families as Partners in Learning www.education.vic.gov.au/about/directions/familiesaspartners/default.htm

Anita Calore Senior Project Officer

ESL Unit - DEECD

calore.anita.a@edumail.vic.gov.au