Established in 2021, the RISE program—formally known as the T-Centre—is a combined academic and wellbeing initiative designed for Stage 4 learners, specifically targeting Year 7 and 8 students who may benefit from additional support and a more tailored approach in engaging with their education. The program aims to improve students' capacity to not only engage in their own learning but also to lead it. With a maximum of ten students, RISE offers personalised support to help each learner thrive.
Participants benefit from a structured timetable that includes tailored subjects designed to captivate and inspire: English and Mathematics focus on foundational skills with individual support, while Skills for Success, and Start-Up Lab provide opportunities for students to develop and strengthen essential skills such as health literacy, digital literacy, financial literacy, and innovative thinking. In Discovery, students are encouraged to explore their own interests through a passion project of their choosing. They are guided to undertake research on topics they wish to learn more about or to develop skills they aspire to master. Students are also given opportunities for experiential learning outside the traditional classroom, reinforcing academic concepts through hands-on experiences.
While in the program, there is a reduced focus on assessment and homework, allowing students to build connection, confidence, and engagement with their learning, peers, and school in general. Students attend the program for one semester and are assisted in their gradual return to mainstream classes towards the end of this period through staggered re-introduction supported by in-class assistance and adjusted assessments.
In Semester 1, the program operates at the Balmain campus with Balmain students, while in Semester 2, RISE operates at the Leichhardt campus with Leichhardt students.
Students are nominated for the program based on various factors, including attendance, attitudes, peer relationships, and overall engagement. The nomination process involves individual sessions to foster relationships and group workshops to observe social interactions. While not all nominated students will be selected, the selection panel carefully evaluates each nomination to ensure the best fit for the program. Families of selected students receive a Letter of Offer through Schoolbytes to confirm their child's participation.
Importantly, there are no additional costs for families, as the RISE program is fully funded by the school to ensure equitable access to support for all students.
