The Woolaning
Homeland Christian College opened in August 2002 as a Commonwealth
government supported pilot of community managed schooling. The
idea of the College emerged from communities in the region working
together with Education Transformations undertaking focussed
research and development. The initial construction project ($6.5m),
managed by partner construction training organisation, Transforming
Skills NT, employed local young people as trainees with four
completing trade training over the life of the project.
The College is located on the western boundary of the
Litchfield National Park and draws students from a region the size
of Tasmania. The campus includes teaching and training
facilities, an auditorium, staff housing, family group homes and
training facilities. Staff housing, student housing,
workshops, a shop, training facilities and hospitality
accommodation replicate community life providing a setting for 24
hour learning. Family Group Homes are designed to foster
family life and values. Students are involved in cooking,
cleaning, gardening and washing giving a wide-ranging preparation
for life beyond school.
Woolaning is a member school of the NT
Christian Schools Association and is governed by a Council made up
of representatives from communities in the
region. The College calendar has been developed by the College
Council to match the life of the region with six terms, long dry
season break and just a short break at Christmas/New Year. In
addition to the academic programme students are involved in
training for hospitality, education, vehicle maintenance,
construction and retail designed to address skill shortages in the
region.
A review of the College in late 2006 confirmed excellent
participation, attendance, literacy and numeracy outcomes. The
Commonwealth responded by granting a further $4.5m to lift capacity
to 90 students for 2009. The College has demonstrated the
viability of this model for educating remote Indigenous young
people. The College has developed a strong academic reputation
and graduates have been able to take up skilled roles back in their
communities and beyond.