Life at Croydon Community School is dynamic and lively. We know that what we do works because we have the pleasure of watching our students grow into confident and capable young adults. We have no magic wands, no quick fixes, just lots of persistence and programs that are designed to develop skills in areas that are important to success throughout life.

Four years ago we started a martial arts workshop to teach basic skills in a safe and fun environment. Now this program offers many opportunities for students to develop high levels of skill as well as regular chances to teach basic skills to students in other schools as Peer Educators. Recently this program was awarded first prize in the Leader Newspaper Education Awards and Croydon Community School Peer Educators are in constant demand to lead programs at other schools. So far we have taken this program and its four lessons of: 'Be Strong, Be Calm, Be Kind, Try Hard' to over fifty other schools and community organisations. Demand is so strong that we already have bookings made for the next six months!

We also teach girls about the rules of 'Girl World'; some of which are not pleasant. They learn about Queenbees, Wannabees, Targets, Bankers, Messengers and Floaters. They also learn about their responsibilities and how to deal effectively with demands placed on them by others. Once girls have completed the program they can opt to take these lessons to younger girls in other schools and at the same time develop their own leadership skills. This program received an Honourable Mention in the Leader Newspaper Education Awards and we have already committed to programs throughout 2007.   

Recently we started another Peer Education Program. This one is for students who love computers. They learn an advanced 3D Animation program, create their own characters and games, then take the program to students in other schools so that they can learn it too. Already the demand for our students to teach these skills is very high and we are confident that it will achieve the same success as the Martial Arts and Girls' Programs.

These programs are part of our curriculum, alongside our integrated studies and remedial literacy and numeracy programs. They are taught during class time and the skills that students learn will stand them in good stead for many years to come. Even better, they develop self confidence and leadership skills, both of which are necessary for happy and successful lives.

We know that what we do is not for everyone. We are not trying to provide programs that will meet everyone's needs, just the needs and desires of those students who have not found school to be rewarding in the past, but who at the same time want to make positive changes in their own lives. If that sounds like someone you know, we may just be the school you are looking for!

Bronwyn Harcourt, Principal