BATHURST’S newest college is off to a great start.
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Training organisation Skillset opened its Skillset Senior College – which wants to offer a different approach to learning – in the Flannery Centre on February 3.
Instead of jumping straight into set classes, students had a week of introductory activities so they could become comfortable interacting with the teachers and each other.
The second week was when the curriculum really got underway for the students, and Skillset CEO and Senior College principal Craig Randazzo has found their enthusiasm for their studies to be very promising.
“It has been absolutely great,” he said.
The college shifts responsibilities such as attendance and managing time onto the students so they feel like they are in an adult environment.
While it is still early days, Mr Randazzo said the students have already taken positive steps towards adulthood.
“There are still lots of kids attending every day,” he said. “It has been really positive.”
Olivia Johnson, who came to Skillset Senior College from another Bathurst school, said the college offers a very friendly atmosphere and “awesome teachers”.
She enjoys the one-on-one approach to teaching which focuses on using initiative to problem-solve without relying on an overwhelming number of worksheets.
“There’s a different way of learning which is easier for me,” Ms Johnson said.
Skillset Senior College is close to capacity, but Mr Randazzo said he is open to new students who want to fill the remaining spaces or are looking to enrol for next year.
The college is suitable for a full range of students, but is predominantly for the minority of students who struggle, for whatever reason, under the mainstream system.