Berry Street Web Docs Berry Street School Practice Approach | Page 20

DOMAIN 8
Developing and maintaining community, educational,
and pathways linkages
Key Concepts
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Students need to be connected to strong communities.

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Engaging with the community enables students to:
o gain an understanding of society
o access positive role models
o form positive relationships outside the school setting.

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Build linkages with communities at a range of levels, including:
o services and service providers
o pathways to further education and employment
o recreation.

Theory/Rationale
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The relevant literature highlights the importance of school linkages to both the
immediate and wider communities (Brown, 1998).

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Victorian Government policy emphasises the importance of connecting children with
strong communities (Children, Youth & Families Act 2005).

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Children and young people with a meaningful connection to the broader community
tend to be more resilient in the face of problems and stress. Partnerships between
schools and community based service providers involve an acceptance of shared
responsibility for vulnerable students (DEECD, 2009).

Campus Examples
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Connecting to services for family support.

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Students gain work experience, and access to work experience through certifications
and placements including:
o first aid
o construction
o media design
o aged care