
An Adolescent Progam based on needs
Adolescent needs – what are they? Secondary programs currently provide amazing choices for young people. Students are able to choose different sporting activities, art programs or vocational direction whilst completing their academic requirements. This is a hard act to follow, specifically if parents are looking at value for their hard earned money.
Exploring adolescent needs
What do students look for in a secondary school at the starting age of 12/13?
Generally, they want to attend the same school as their best friend and will then be persuaded by the parents to select the school that parents feel is more appropriate for various reasons.
Again, an excellent paradigm to have.
So, why do so many students leave school before year twelve and why do they talk about the high level of stress they build daily?
Why do so many students leave high school with poor self-esteem and many questions about direction of own future?
We would like to suggest that the current model of schooling implemented during the industrial revolution is not meeting our adolescents’ needs.
Adolescents are transitioning from childhood to adulthood; they are looking inwards, trying to define their identity and looking outwards to change and improve the world around them. These are rather considerable tasks when addressing personal development.
The real need for a bigger perspective for adolescents
A considerate environment for adolescents should provide global, contemporary and futuristic themes for learners to explore and experiment. It is essential they find their own solutions, rather than regurgitating what has been prescribed, even if they reach the same outcomes. Ownership will encourage engagement and motivation. Students definitely need a rigorous academic syllabus and how this is presented and demonstrated should be with real life experiences wherever possible.
This group of learners needs to be physical, work collaboratively to meet their social thirst and to feel they are making a difference through their own work and understanding.
Therefore, sitting an adolescent for hours at a desk listening to a presenter is counterproductive in most cases. Learning has to be explored and learned through own successes and failures with the help of great teachers.
To find out more about Caboolture Montessori School’s plans for an Adolescent school, please contact with Yvonne on: principal@cms.qld.edu.au