The FLIP PROGRAM

Who to see for support/more information: FLIP Coordinator - Jodie Petersen

FLIP Project Manager: Jodie Petersen

FLIP Mentors: Michelle McDonald

FLIP Referral Contact: Penny Owens, Wayne Abrahamas, Krystal Jessop and Billy Vasilevski

FLIP is an online, personalised learning program for students. The main source of communication with students is online through digital lessons referred to as learning moments and quizzes that are competency based and time differentiated. Key discipline areas included in the program are:

• Literacy • Numeracy • Science • Humanities • Vocation • Health & Wellbeing.

What is FLIP? FLIP – stands for Flexible Learning Intervention Pathway. It provides students with an alternative pathway when they are disconnected from mainstream education. The program focuses on re -establishing routines for the student, addressing personal and mental health barriers as well as building confidence and success with a variety of learning experiences. The purpose of FLIP is to provide the student with a revitalised pathway and changes that will re -engage the student in mainstream education, or lead them to an alternative educational or vocational option. It is a great program for young people and schools who have exhausted all other avenues within the school as it accommodates for students that don’t fit other educational models.

Who is eligible? FLIP is open to any young person in Years 7 to 10, inclusive, in the Ballarat/ Grampians Region, Melton/Brimbank network and Wyndham/Hobsons Bay network who has been unable to attend mainstream school. Students must be currently enrolled in one of the above areas and can only enter FLIP via a referral from their home school. The student must be interested in joining the FLIP program and be willing and able to commit to improved routines, health and/or study practices. Students will need to be in an environment where they are able to work independently from home. This may require some supervision from an adult depending on the students’ commitment.

Students in FLIP are expected to have reliable wireless internet connectivity at home, and should be mobile, with the ability to attend regular meetings with the mentor and project manager at a suitable location. Students must have access to reliable wireless internet in the home, as the entire program is run from the internet.

EQUIPMENT:

The FLIP program uses a Chromebook, a relatively inexpensive laptop which will allow students to access their mentor and work online. The Chromebook is provided as part of the program and must be returned to the school when a student exits the program.

PROCESSES & APPLICATION:

FLIP starts with a six -week induction, where you are assessed for the appropriate intervention pathway for your individual situation. At the end of this process, you may be referred to another agency better equipped to deal with your individual growth, you may continue with the FLIP program to help deal with issues of health, routines or wellbeing which have previously stopped you from engaging with the mainstream education process. Potential pathways include:

• returning to the home school • continuing with mentoring in FLIP • blended program between FLIP and the home school • exit to another educational setting • employment programme • other educational support programmes