25 years ago I was asked by Glynn Watkins, Betty Cockman and Gary Fisher to design a High School Experience for students at Wanneroo Senior High School who did not necessarily want to go onto University. I interviewed for an off-sider in this adventure and found an old football mate Rod (Nuttsy) Nunn. Together we designed a two tiered timetable with each student having an individual timetable that took precedent over the group timetable. The group timetable was part Summer Camp, part Kibbutz, part Work Experience, part Electives and part Communications 1 and 2. Communications 1 was me teaching English skills - talking, reading and writing with confidence. Communications 2 was Nuttsy and had maths and science as its base.We didn't know it then but the whole thing was really based on Kaizen; finding out what each student needed/wanted (sometimes not the same thing) and building their skills bit by bit working from a 'strengths and interests first' basis. 54 young folk made up the Wanneroo Alternative Upper School and recently former student (and current musician) Gary Jay Palfrey sent through a photo. Ahh the memories - an exciting, vibrant year and one where hair on the head still played a part in my life. The snap is the young me (to your left) with the young Nuttsy.
3 comments:
AUS was a life changing experience for me especially for personal growth and self confidence I learned some fundamental communication and personal interaction skills that changed a timid boy that was greatly and easily overwhelmed and intimidated by people and society into some-one that can interact and talk to people on any level without any real fear. Thank-you Cap and Nuttsy
From Rodney Nunn -
Absolute magic !!!
Now I remember why I do this !!!!
Thanks - Nuts
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