The Sacred Heart Homework Club offers weekly after-school homework support to local primary school students from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) and refugee backgrounds through one-on-one peer mentoring.
Based in Fitzroy, the program began in 2002 with 18 students and has grown to supporting more than 100 students each year. ACU students work as dedicated one-on-one tutors to enhance school-based learning and encourage the development of literacy and numeracy skills through a variety of learning activities.
The program has been developed to:
- provide a safe learning environment where children are supported by tutors to improve their literacy and numeracy skills and promote success in education
- provide students studying teaching at ACU with real world experiences that build confidence, resilience and creativity in their teaching practices
- provide ongoing education support to the whole school community and ensure no child misses out due to financial hardship
- help build up children’s educational aspirations through positive role modelling and mentoring between the students of Sacred Heart Primary School and ACU students
- support the Social Emotional Literacy Education Model utilised by the School to support the development of social skills and emotional resilience
In 2010 the program was named as the winner of the NAB Bank’s Schools First Local Impact Award.
ACU students receive training and induction prior to commencing as a tutor and ongoing support is provided onsite by staff from ACU Engagement. Throughout the course of the program tutors are encouraged to reflect on their professional practice to complement their university studies.
Students enrolled in community engagement units within early childhood, primary and secondary education courses and ACU staff in Melbourne are welcome to volunteer to support this program.