Case Management – Shaping Futures through New Models of Learning

This paper presents an overview of the Flexible Learning Program established at Tenison Woods College in Mount Gambier, and how this model has achieved a 90% success rate in engaging youth at risk and enabling them to complete their secondary education without having to attend school.

Pam Ronan (Principal) and Joe Moriarty (Case Manager) demonstrate how case managed learning has enabled a growing number of young people in the rural South East region of South Australia to gain their South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE). Key issues explored in this paper include:

Why do early school leavers value the SACE?

What has excluded them from participation in mainstream classes?

How has the flexibility of this program set them up for success?

Findings from case studies suggest that a case management approach is key to engaging some early school leavers who seek to achieve access to tertiary education and sustained employment opportunities. Flexible learning enables them to manage many of the complex issues impacting on their lives, such as family break-up, teenage pregnancies, mental health issues and trauma. Closely linked to this are the pastoral care, advocacy and support provided by the Case Manager which supports these young people as they work through many of their personal challenges and lifestyle issues.