Futures West gives students another chance

By Leanne Warr

Kaz Whitinui was close to being kicked out of school.

The Waitakere College student was disruptive in class and admits she had little incentive to be there.

"The only reason to go to school was to see my friends," the 16 year old Ranui resident says.

Kaz knew her attitude wasn't the best but says teachers added to the problem by sending her out of class without explaining what she'd done wrong.

"I don't like being yelled at," she says.

Things are dramatically different today thanks to Futures West.

The organisation formed in 2000 when west Auckland secondary principals got together and came up with a plan to provide a place for students who, for many reasons, were at risk of being excluded from school.

Kaz was among the kids sent to the Henderson-based centre.

"It wasn't what I expected," she says.

"It came across as one of these friendly, fun places to be in."

Jardina Morrell describes a similar experience.

The Year 11 pupil at Rutherford High once thought she might not make it through school.

"I was acting up," she says.

Along came Futures West.

Jardina was shy at first but soon got to know the teachers and students.

The 16-year-old went to sessions where a counsellor helped her work through various issues.

She liked the fun environment.

Jardina now communicates with her teachers better than she used to.

"I listen to them," she says.

Richard Baines is a registered psychologist at Futures West.

He talks to students and their families to see what their needs are.

They are then enrolled in a modified high school programme including core subjects like maths, English, physical education and off campus activities.

Students get the chance to participate in activities like orienteering or go-karting on Fridays.

The unit also has a system where students earn points for good work or behaviour.

About 60 youngsters go through the programme every year.

Mr Baines says it's a tightly run ship where teachers keep a close watch on the students over their term of enrolment.

"They get a lot of pressure to behave in class," he says.

The close monitoring also allows staff to learn more about the personal issues of each student and deal with the source of their behavioural problems.

Around 50 per cent of pupils return to school while others choose alternative education programmes or employment.

"They're feeling more positive and they make positive choices," Mr Baines says.

Kaz agrees.

"The teachers don't just sit back and watch you waste your life," she says.

"They sort of become friends."

Western Leader

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