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Obley Education Centre is a registered annexe to St Dominic's College, under the auspices of the Christian Brothers. The Centre was
originally established in 1989. Obley has a maximum of 12 students, aged between 14 and 16 years.
Obley caters for students who are experiencing difficulties in the mainstream
school system. The difficulties may be in relation to attendance, behaviours, learning or relationships with teachers and/or students.
The Centre aims to work with the students to assist them to change and overcome their difficulties in order to return successfully into mainstream
systems, whether it be education, training or employment. Therefore, the focus of is on change, rather than offering the full school
curriculum.
Obley Centre has a stated staff to student ratio of 1:4. This allows the opportunity to provide individual learning programmes in literacy, numeracy and
other curriculum subjects as well as small group based activities.
Along with its full time staff, the Centre also has volunteer tutors who provide valuable support and caring. This allows opportunities for 1:1 work
and helps create a strong sense of community.
All students have individual contracts, which highlight the areas the student identifies as problematic. The contract allows the student, family and
the staff to remain focused on the areas requiring change. The contracts are regularly reviewed with students, staff and family.
Example of Daily Programme:
9.00-9.20: Individual study time.
9.20-10.00: Journal Logistics.
10.00-10.30: Lesson 1.
10.30-11.00: Morning Tea.
11.00-11.30: Lesson 2.
11.30-12.00: Lesson 3.
12.00-12.30: Lesson 4.
12.30-1.15: Lunch.
1.15-1.20: 5 minute task.
1.20-2.30: Lessons 5 & 6 / Living skills.
2.30-2.45: Evaluation / home.
The Living Skills Programme includes art, music, gardening, cooking, craft, recycling and sport. The programme also offers the students individual and group projects and
activities which explore the world in a global and individual perspective.
Excursions are also an important part of the programme. The majority are half days and are sporting or educational activities.
Daily evaluation is an integral part of the processes for change. The students are evaluated for both lessons and non-lesson time, by themselves, the staff and other students. The evaluation points for lesson time include:
- Was I on time and organised?
- Was I willing and co-operative?
- Did I attempt to perform academically?
Evaluation of non-lesson time includes focus on the student’s interactions with others, self respect and respect towards others.
REFERRAL PROCEDURE:
1. Referrals are accepted from anyone within the Blacktown, Blue Mountains and Penrith Local Government areas.
2. An initial interview is arranged with the Student and their family/carer. The programme and its expectations are explained to the student.
3. The Student and family make a decision as to whether they wish the Student to enrol.
4. Unfortunately, as the Centre always has a waiting list, immediate placement is not possible. To maintain a position on the waiting list the student must maintain regular
weekly contact with the Co-ordinator.
5. Once a vacancy becomes available, the Student, family, and staff meet to establish the student’s contract and Individual Programme. The student will then
commence as soon as possible.
63 Forrester Road,
St Marys, 2760.
Phone: 96232879
Fax: 96237477
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