Links+Beyond+the+Classroom+at+UC+SSC+Lake+Ginninderra

=Links Beyond the Classroom – Lake Ginninderra Case Study=

UCSSC Lake Ginninderra has numerous links with institutions and agencies outwith the walls of the school. Two of the main links, which Lake Ginninderra can boast are their links with the University of Canberra and with the Australian Institute of Sport (A.I.S.)

In 2011 the Lake Ginninderra College was officially renamed the University of Canberra Senior Secondary College Lake Ginninderra, a move which made obvious the link between the College and the University of Canberra. The colleges close proximity to the University opened up an opportunity for the two to work together, helping on another enhance the educational benefits to students at both institutions.

Head teacher **Martin Watson** outlined the aims of the partnership with the University of Canberra:

**“**//**The focus is, will this partnership help students grow, develop, learn more, expand their horizons, raise their aspirations, inspire them to really push themselves?”**// The partnership with the university allows students to gain access to material and opportunities, which previously wouldn’t have been available to them. Students who are hoping to continue in further education can gain a vital insight into the life at university and prepare for life after Lake Ginninderra. It is the vital skills and experiences that make the partnerships so successful and worthwhile.
 * Benefits of U.C links:**
 * Allows Lake Ginninderra students to use university resources
 * Offers opportunities for students to mentor university students
 * Teaching students at the university can gain experience in teaching at Lake Ginninderra
 * Teachers at Lake Ginninderra can use the university for further study or to gain further subject knowledge

Another of the many benefits to students is that it offers the possibility of further education to some students who would have never considered this. Students who attend the A.I.S receive their education at Lake Ginninderra as normal, however additional allowances are made for athletes who may have busy training or competition schedules. Since the partnership was started over 100 athletes that have passed through the doors at Lake Ginninderra have gone on to represent Australia at the Olympics. These include the likes of: Lauren Jackson (Basketball), Mark Viduka (Football), Petria Thomas (Swimming) and Philippe Rizzo (Gymnastics).


 * How is the support for A.I.S students personalised?**
 * Students are given more flexibility in their curriculum
 * They can complete an online diary which counts towards their final year 12 certificate

Students who excel in the field of sport in Australia can then be chosen to attend the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra. Students can be gifted in any sport, but would then have to move from their home to Canberra, in order to attend the institute. This can prove challenging to the students for a number of reasons: the move from home, balancing schoolwork and sports training, as well as others. The college at Lake Ginninderra provides the students who attend the A.I.S. with support throughout their academic life between college years.

Students involved with the A.I.S. receive varying degrees of support, dependent on their sporting commitment. If, for example, an A.I.S takes extended leave from the school to compete in an international competition, the school will offer students educational opportunities online, or extend their time allowances for assignments.

//**“It’s really good because the teachers and everybody understand our commitments.”**// **A.I.S Student**

Not only does the college at Lake Ginninderra offer the students support in their absence from school, they also offer academic opportunity and other perspectives on their future possibilities. One student mentioned that they hope to continue their education at an American college, with the hope of pursuing a basketball career in the States, a goal shared by many in the A.I.S. “They’re away a lot and have enormous demands on their time. So you have personalise it for students in that situation otherwise they simply wouldn’t get through, because their circumstances change.” //**“It’s a great partnership between this college and the Australian Institute of Sport. It’s a unique partnership that seeks to value all that is important in the journey that is sporting achievement at the highest level. The best of the best.”**// **Martin Watson**

Mr Watson also outlined the importance of links outwith the school grounds in general:

//**“I think that it’s very important that schools be aware that they shouldn’t work in isolation. That schools need to feel they’re part of a community, or several communities – the parents and families of the community, but also, educational institutions, the businesses, the sporting clubs.”**//