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Mature-age students do well at SACE

Posted on December 18, 2009, 10:10am

Four mature aged students have successfully completed their South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) this year through a program provided by Allendale East Area School.

After a year of off-site study and juggling various work and family commitments, Suzi Young, Jason Sutherland, Sara Adams and Jess Morley received their encouraging results on Wednesday morning.

Allendale East principal Bob O’Connor said personal satisfaction and improved employment opportunities had driven the students to succeed.

“Being a smaller school, we had the time and resources to offer these students a range of stage two subjects that met individual interests and goals while studying off-site,” Mr O’Connor said.

“Our SACE coordinator Chris Peters would go out and visit or phone the students to make sure they were on track and tailored the courses to individual needs.”

Jason Sutherland, 21, was one of the students to complete his SACE through a combination of vocational education and training and community-based studies while living and working in Kaniva.

He managed the trucking company Mike Hawker Haulage, worked full time and coached the local football team throughout his SACE completion.

Mr Sutherland said his aim was to improve job prospects in Australia and overseas.

“I did half of Year 12 in Adelaide, then left to pursue a football career, but that finished when I broke my shoulder,” Mr Sutherland said.

“My partner looked on the internet and found out about the off-site learning program and I ended up doing it through Allendale because of the direct contact with Mr Peters; he was a big help.

“I went back to school so I can train as a police officer.”

Suzi Young, of Mount Gambier, worked part time and cared for her daughter while completing three subjects, while young Millicent mother Sara Adams “put a great deal of time and effort” into her studies so she can gain a certificate IV in education.

Jess Morley, who combined study with employment in Mount Gambier and did two subjects towards her SACE, intends to return to Allendale East and gain her certificate next year.

Mr O’Connor said he was proud of the students’ hard work, their desire to continue their education and their success, and thanked Mr Peters for his willing involvement.

“We plan to continue to cater for mature-aged students in the coming school year,” he said.

Enquiries and expressions of interest on mature student entry to Allendale East Area School can be directed to the school’s reception.

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