BEST Centre Annual Report 2011 ..............................................
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Outdoor Education and experiential learning in Morwell
Throughout 2011 , students at the BEST Centre Morwell participated in an outdoor education program . This program aimed to provide outdoor experiences to young people that would assist them in developing resilience , coping strategies and self reliance .
Over the course of the program students participated in a range of adventure activities , including - caving in the Labertouche caves , rafting down the Thomson River , rock climbing at the Hardrock Climbing Centre , kayaking on Lake Narracan , surf fishing near Golden Beach , tobogganing at Mt St Gwinear and exploring the rail trail between Walhalla and Erica .
A small group of students also participated in multi day camps as part of a new program developed by Berry Street called Youth Break . This program has been funded by the Attorney General ’ s Office , and supports young people to reduce criminal behaviour and prevent long term offending through the use of experiential outdoor adventure activities .
Domain 8 : Developing and maintaining community , educational and pathways linkages
During 2011 , students at both campuses were provided with the opportunity to access and become involved in community facilities and programs .
Pathways to Welding Program
During 2011 , eight students at the Morwell campus undertook a pre-vocational course in welding with GippsTAFE . This partnership program has enabled students to learn new skills in welding . Our staff attended the weekly sessions with the students .
BEST Centre Annual Report 2011 ..............................................
Curriculum development
Domain 7 : Catering for diversity
Cultural Awareness at Morwell - Wangin Karobran
The continued employment of a youth specific Koorie Education Worker in Gippsland has supported the re-engagement of young people in learning through culturally appropriate activities . The BEST Centre at Morwell supported six students through this program during 2011 . As part of this program two Cultural Dance Workshops were held in July 2011 which brought together twelve young people . A partnership program that mentors young people in pathways to employment is planned for 2012 .
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Job Skills
Students at the Morwell campus participated in the Job Skills Expo at Lardner Park in July , 2011 . This exhibition brings all students from across Gippsland on a single day together with over 100 trade exhibitors who throughout the day demonstrate practical applications of their trades .
Fitness program
In 2011 , the collaboration with the Endeavour Hills Leisure Centre and the Noble Park campus has continued . Groups of students have participated in fitness , and gymnastics programs . This has offered the obvious benefits of increased fitness , but also assists in the development of social skills and community connection . The programs were supported financially by Berry Street sponsors , and we are grateful for their assistance .