SA Government to roll out new Tailored Learning program for struggling students

Adelaide student Darcy Hughes would have dropped out of high school if it wasn’t for a teacher with a different approach. Soon other struggling students will have similar options.

Darcy Hughes would have dropped out of high school by his second year if it wasn’t for a teacher who took a different approach.

The now 18-year-old is among thousands of students diverted from mainstream classrooms each year in a bid to keep them engaged in school.

“I was wagging a lot. I wasn’t very keen on school,” Mr Hughes said.

“If I wasn’t interested in something I wouldn’t do it, I couldn’t focus. I was just walking around the school not going to class.”

Darcy Hughes would have dropped out of high school if it wasn’t for a teacher who took a different approach. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

That was until a teacher at Craigmore High School pulled him into the flexible learning options course, known as FLO, near the end of Year 8. He now has his dream job working full-time job with a real estate company.

Since 2007 FLO has been offered to students struggling because of family difficulties, unstable accommodation, mental health concerns, addiction, pregnancy or parenting.

The number of young people taking part has risen from 2800 in 2020 to 4360 this year.

However, a review in late 2020 found attendance among FLO students was waning and their outcomes were not improving.

It recommended the state government scrap the program, which often sent students off campus, and replace it with a more inclusive, school-based option.

On Tuesday, Education Minister Blair Boyer is announcing a $48.3m commitment to a new Tailored Learning program at all public secondary schools, up from the 85 schools which offered FLO.

It follows a trial at 12 schools this year which produced successes including:

TWO students returning to school after not attending classes for two years.

ONE student’s attendance improving from 10 per cent of school days to 60 per cent.

A student who had never passed a subject attaining a minimum C-grade in all of their subjects.

There has been increasing demand for alternatives like FLO and home schooling in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Last week The Advertiser revealed that children as young as eight were missing school because their families were living in tents, sheds or overcrowded houses amid the cost of living crisis.

Mr Boyer said Tailored Learning would help more students facing challenges to “remain connected with their classmates and their teachers”.

“We have long recognised that education is not one-size-fits all and this program is about reconnecting young people with their learning in a way that works best for them,” he said.

Today Mr Hughes is working full-time as a property manager for Ray White Craigmore.

“I was so close to getting my SACE but then this job came up in and it’s what I’ve always wanted to do,” he said.

“I like dealing with tenants and every day is different.

“I’m very independent for my age and I like working and earning money.”