Are Youth disengaging?

Unfortunately, the answer is yes. A growing number of young people are disengaging from mainstream schooling each year. An alarming report, “Those Who Disappear”, (Melbourne Graduate School of Education, 2019) describe an estimated amount of 50 000 school age young people detaching completely from any form of education across Australia at any one time. There are a variety of reasons for disengagement, however the report suggests that the key factors include:

  • Boredom, identity, school connectedness, academic motivation, sense of belonging, low self-esteem.
  • Socio-economic status.
  • Family dysfunction, mental illness, disability
  • Race, ethnicity, gender
  • Attendance
  • Participation
  • Behaviour
  • Difficulties in literacy/numeracy
  • Relationships with teacher, parents, peers, bullying.

The Mission Australia Youth Survey 2019 discovered that the top three personal concerns of young people over the past year include, coping with stress (49%), school or study problems (34%) and mental health (33%). In QLD a considerable factor adding to these issues included Bullying. 80.4% of respondents reported that they had experienced bullying at a School, TAFE or University in the past year.

There are significant numbers of young people across Australia who are struggling to fit into everyday schools due to issues associated with bullying, domestic violence, challenging family situations, anxiety, disability, mental health issues, anger management issues and behavioural disorders, boredom, gender and sexuality acceptance.

As evidence above, there is a substantial need to provide alternative and safe educational options for young people to ensure a positive outcome in their futures. Arcadia College considers the unique circumstances and individuality of each and every student to provide an educational program that addresses not only academic achievement but prioritises a young person’s overall wellbeing and sets them up for post-school success.

The College provides an extensive range of support for students including; experienced teaching staff, teacher aides, wellbeing coordinators, youth workers, nurses and a team of psychologists to provide onsite professional intervention and care as needed.

It is our aim to provide an alternative education environment that can support the needs of young people disengaging and with time and understanding begin to turn this trend around.

Arcadia College offers an evolutionary, student centred approach to learning, with individual needs, interests and abilities at the forefront of what we do.