Mount Ommaney Special School has developed and introduced a cycling program to strengthen the learning outcomes of students with multiple disabilities.
The innovative bike-riding program provides activities to independently mobile students, and in 2005 was expanded to include students with severe multiple impairments.
The bikes range in size and can be adjusted according to physical capability, so age and physical stature are not an impediment to access.
Students take part in individual skill development programs and have also participated in community based activities, such as the Darling Point Fun Run.
There has been a 42-percent increase in participation in the cycling program since it was first established in 1992, with 83 percent of students now taking part. Students' physical skills have increased across the board.
The latest results show a 77-percent increase in the number of students improving their distance skills, and an 80-percent jump in students with improved pedalling skills. Parents and staff are strong supporters of the program, voting unanimously in favour of the activity in school surveys.
Helping young people who are pregnant or have parenting responsibilities to complete their education is the focus of a program based at Redbank Plains State High School.
The Pregnant and Parenting Program was established in 2004 and services up to 18 high schools in the Moreton educational area.
It supports up to 40 male and female students each year, helping them to plan their education and training. In addition, the program links students with agencies providing assistance with accommodation, legal advice and domestic violence issues.
The program encourages and supports pregnant or parenting adolescents to remain in an educational setting of their choice to complete their education. It also assists young people who have left school re-engage in the education system.
The number of students participating in the program has increased by 86 percent since 2003, with an approximately 300-percent increase in participation and retention rates in the schools covered by the program.
Bundamba State Secondary College established the Bundamba Training and Development Squad (B-TADS) in 2004 to help a number of talented students meet their potential in the classroom and on the sporting field.
The squad is designed to improve students' attendance and behaviour through sporting activities. It offers specialised coaching in swimming, cross-country, athletics and touch football, as well as lessons on topical issues such as job applications and time management.
Students are expected to attend weekly meetings and lessons, complete gym and training sessions, fundraise, maintain high standards of behaviour and compete in the local touch football competition.
Ninety-three percent of students involved in the program report greater enthusiasm and attendance at school as a result of their involvement. B-TADS students' attendance levels are 82 percent higher than the rest of the student population. These students have shown a 79-percent improvement in attendance and a 58-percent improvement in behaviour since joining the squad.
Goodna Special School is helping students make the transition from school to their lives as young adults by creating employment opportunities for students and developing life skills.
Established in 2004, the Senior Transition Program blends three diverse training programs - the Queensland Studies Authority's Post-Compulsory Certificate, Certificate I in Work Readiness and New Basics Special Transition Rich Tasks.
The merging of these programs to form a complete curriculum is helping to prepare students to participate responsibly in society. The program equips students to become active citizens, employees, team mates and volunteers, among a range of different roles.
A number of simulated work environments, such as glass recycling, phone book deliveries, light assembly work and horticulture activities, give students valuable skills for the workplace.
Thanks to their participation in the program, every one of the 12 school-leavers from 2004 and 2005 is now either employed or taking part in community-based post-school programs to further develop their skills.
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