What an Activity Centre is#

Activity Centres offer educational and pastoral support for secondary students. They have registered teachers who support students to increase their achievement and engagement.

Students are enrolled at school and entered into ENROL. They are referred because their behaviour impedes their own or others’ learning, and a specialised programme is the most effective way of meeting the student’s needs.

Activity Centres have specialised learning programmes for:

• increased attendance, engagement, and achievement at school
• improved social outcomes
• successful transition into further education, employment or training.

Individual Learning Programmes#

Activity centres are operated by managing schools to develop an Individual Learning Programme (ILP) for each student.

An ILP must include at least:

• numeracy and literacy goals at a level appropriate for the student
• wellbeing goals (health, social and behaviour)
• career competencies and/or vocational goals so the student transitions successfully
• established regular reviews and updates with the student.

Often, students will attend an Activity Centre for a maximum of 2 terms. Extended support can be in place at the discretion of the Activity Centre director.

How Activity Centres are funded and managed#

Managing schools#

Managing schools have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with us. They receive resourcing to manage the Activity Centre.

School boards#

The board of the managing school is responsible for governing the Activity Centre. It is responsible for providing educational services. The board has an MOU with us that outlines the roles and responsibilities of all parties to operate an Activity Centre.

Cluster of schools#

A cluster of schools are state and state-integrated schools with secondary-aged students located in the same geographic area.

Enrolling schools#

Enrolling schools are part of the cluster of schools that have a student on their roll attending the activity centre.

The managing school makes sure regular review systems are in place to support a high-quality educational service provision. This includes support for Activity Centre staff to access professional development and the development of continual improvement practices.

Monitoring and reporting#

As part of their MOU with us, managing schools must report on outcomes and student achievement. This shows accountability for public funds.

Mid-year and annual progress reports

The mid-year progress report is due on the 10th working day of Term 3.

The annual report and financial statement are due no later than April of the following year.

Download the activity centre mid-year and annual report templates below.

Education Review Office (ERO) reports on Activity Centres#

Read ERO’s summary report of all Activity Centres, including recommendations.

Provision for Students in Activity Centres – Education Review Office