There's a really strong push to have normal teenage years. But often they flounder at high school. The students, many of whom have missed out on schooling, start to compare themselves with students who have lived all their lives in Australia, Ms Giddens says. On top of the realisation that they have a lot of catching up to do comes pressure from some parents and guardians to complete high school. But they can be helped to find the best study options that will lead them to different courses of study and work, she says.
Flexibility is the key to the new approach.
A teenager finding year 10 tough can enter the course and, later, if they wish, re-enter high school or go on to a mainstream TAFE course. Some students may spend only six months doing the course while others might stay two years. After improving their literacy, they can then return to their TAFE certificate. The course also gives students a breather to think about study options. Now Hani is studying a TAFE diploma in Information Technology at NMIT's Preston campus and wants to specialise in computer software.