But a group of Warilla High School students embraced the chance to coordinate an entire function for family and friends on Monday as part of an innovative learning model called LEAP (Learning and Engagement Alternative Program) at their school. Thanks to Panorama House, the students attended to guests in the restaurant, adding to the real-life experiences they are gaining from the program.

Head teacher, teaching learning Renee Pettit said the program was created to help retain students after changes to the school leaving age. They study English, Maths, VET Retail, VET Sport Coaching, Work Education work placement one day a week and an external VET subject. “The subjects are structured to allow for a vocational pathway and allow for HSC attainment at the end of the program,” she said. 

“They get so much out of it in terms of qualifications and work experience and extra opportunities like the Panorama House event.”

She said the program was modified each year to cater for the needs of each cohort of students.

“Our program is not set in concrete every year. We find out what vocational pathways each cohort is interested in and try to cater for their specific needs. We keep moulding it and changing it to make it better every year that we run it.”

“Our program is designed to get them that HSC but also to give them a multitude of qualifications and experiences along the way.

“The students are much more engaged as a result of this program.”