A new Shoalhaven school aims to nurture, develop and give its students a sense of security and belonging.
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The Shoalhaven River College will open its doors next year and the 30 student school, in Bomaderry, is a registered non-government school giving students in year 9 and 10 the opportunity to obtain a Record of School Achievement (ROSA).
Shoalhaven River College comes under the auspice of Kiama Community College Incorporated, a not for profit, volunteer-managed adult education provider.
The college is about providing learning opportunities to enrich its students socially, culturally and economically.
The college’s Executive Officer, Helen Zwicker, said they did not want to replace the current high schools.
“Our local high schools are doing a great job of catering for the majority of students, but we all recognise that there is a small portion of students that struggle emotionally, mentally or socially in a traditional school environment,” she said.
The Shoalhaven River College will have a maximum student to teacher ratio of 15-to-one and a youth support worker to allow for individualised attention.
“Our school will prioritise nurturing and developing our students’ sense of security and belonging, as we know that learning will not occur without this,” Ms Zwicker said.
“The teenage years are so critical, and we look forward to giving our young people the best chance of successfully transitioning to adulthood, work and further study.”
The low fee school ($100 per year) will provide an option for students that would benefit from a small school environment.
Shoalhaven River College will be located in Mattie's Way, Bomaderry.
Half of the site will be for the alternative high school and the other for the community college’s courses.
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Applications are now open for 2019.
Next year, the school intends to apply to deliver Year 11 and 12 curriculum from 2020.
Shoalhaven River College staff encourages anyone who would like to discuss the suitability of the school for a particular young person to contact them on 4232 1050.
Kiama Community College also operates the Shoalhaven Community College.
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