Program objectives and outcomes

The outcomes of the program are as varied as the students who participate but the key commonality is the transfer of skills, strengths and self-esteem developed in Evolving Learning Program to the contexts of their broader lives.

The program’s broad objectives are as follows:

• Provide young people with the opportunities for personal growth and development. 
• Influence structures within schools around the delivery of curriculum to more broadly enhance student learning within the school
• Provide skills and resources to engage students by creating new learning environments and enhancing curriculum content and delivery.
• Prevent early school leaving and/or engage young people into employment and vocational pathways.
• Break the cycle of disadvantage through learning, educational and vocational engagement.

Changing the way they learn, learning to make change

During the three years, many of these students will find themselves assuming leadership positions – perhaps at school or at their local sports club – and taking on responsibilities they’d have not thought themselves capable of prior to the Evolving Learning Program. One aspect of this is an increase in school attendance – with students becoming re-engaged and looking forward to the challenges of their ongoing education.

"If it wasn't for Evolve, I wouldn't be here at school"

What the Research Shows

Student, school and community data gathered by Victoria University over the last three years indicate that the Evolving Learning Program is achieving its broad aim of supporting the development of young people within our communities.

Parents, school teachers, program staff and the young people themselves, have witnessed an increase in self confidence and an increased understanding of themselves and others. 

“Its people like you and the other staff there that put our kids on the straight and narrow and keep them there".

These changed perceptions of self and others have been evident in the raw data emerging in program artefacts. The young peoples’ skills in organisation, self-management and project development were also highlighted as outcomes attributed to the programs, along with increased social skills and friendships.