NSW Department of Education and Training

During 2008, the Department implemented a range of initiatives under the Refugee
Support Strategy, including two innovative programs in schools in Western Sydney
Region and South Western Sydney Region: the Intensive English Program for Refugee
Students in primary schools and the Refugee Transition Program in high schools. These
programs piloted new approaches to supporting refugee students. Seven primary and
seven secondary schools supporting 127 and 117 students respectively, received funding
for an additional teacher position (0.5 EFT) and professional learning support in order to
implement the program. $14,000 was distributed to the schools to fund extra resources
and learning experiences for the targeted students and some schools provided additional
funds from school budgets to support the program.
76 students, 15 teachers, three careers advisors, seven regional multicultural and
vocational education consultants, 10 TAFE officers, five business and community
representatives and six CIOs attended an educational and vocational workshop for
refugee students.
The Henry Parkes Equity Resource Centre purchased additional resources to enhance
provision of support for new and emerging communities and language groups.
ESL and settlement support was provided for 611 newly arrived refugee students in
Intensive English Centres (IECs) and the Intensive English High School, 466 newly
arrived refugee students in primary schools and 75 newly arrived refugee students in high
schools.
A Beginning Well program aimed at enhancing refugee students’ transition from home to
school and strengthening refugee parents’ capacity to support their children’s learning,
was developed, trialled and evaluated in one school in Western Sydney Region.
Evaluations indicated significant improvement in refugee children's adjustment to
Kindergarten and refugee parents' relationship with the school. Four African families were
supported in their children's transition to Kindergarten in 2008 and participated in the
school's transition to school program for the first time. Parents reported that the program
provided their children with activities and equipment which they do not have at home.
They also reported that they learnt valuable information about schooling in Australia
appreciating the opportunity to meet with school personnel and learn more about
Australian customs, school routines and programs.
An expanded Beginning Well program, targeting refugee families has commenced in
Western Sydney Region. Five schools participated in a two day mentor training in August
2008 in preparation for implementation of the program in Term 4, 2008 - Term 1, 2009.
In South Western Sydney and Western Sydney regions eleven high schools and one
primary school with significant numbers of refugee students provided twice-weekly, after
school tutorial sessions including bilingual support to recently arrived refugee students.
The tutorial sessions aimed to improve literacy and numeracy outcomes of refugee
students and to increase participation and engagement in school.
In Hunter/Central Coast Region implemented initiatives specifically aimed at supporting
refugee students and new arrivals. These initiatives included kindergarten and year 7
29