CALM Bush Rangers a popular choice
The CALM Bush Rangers program has become increasingly popular among students, schools and the community following its accreditation as a council endorsed program in April 2006.
Council endorsement increases the options for participants to have their achievements in the program contribute to the achievement of a Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE).
The Department of Environment and Conservation's State Coordinator, Bush Rangers Western Australia, Bronwyn Humphreys, said between 45 and 50 secondary schools will offer the program in 2007 as a voluntary out-of-school option.
Ms Humphreys said it was great the program was now recognised as 'core business' for schools rather than simply a fun, 'peripheral' activity.
"The program has gained more credentials and status," she said.
"Busy students can now choose the out-of-school program in years 10, 11 and 12 and know it contributes to the achievement of their WACE.
"The program is also helping to increase participation and retention, particularly in remote schools. Around 14 per cent of participants are indigenous students.
"Schools participating in the program stretch across the state from Newman to Esperance and across to Busselton. They include a great mix of government, independent and Catholic schools.
"The program is also being offered at two schools for children with disabilities; one in Albany and one in Busselton.
"The program has the support of students, adult volunteers, parents and the wider community.
"There is almost an equal mix of male and female students, with the program attracting more girls at metropolitan schools and more boys at regional schools."
Ms Humphreys said the program appealed to a wide range of students; from those students heading towards double-degrees in science and maths to students with low levels of literacy.
She said the aim of the program is to develop a conservation ethic amongst participants as part of the broader program known as Cadets WA. Students do this through practical activities including conservation projects, Senior First Aid, bushcraft, survival and navigation skills; learning about managing national parks and state forest; helping save threatened plant and animal species and their habitats and developing personal leadership skills.
For more information about CALM Bush Rangers, visit the Department of Environment and Conservation's website at www.Naturebase.net or phone Bronwyn Humphreys at 9334 0137.
Curriculum Council officer, Leanne Meldrum, said endorsed programs offered students the opportunity to use workplace learning (WL), VET stand alone, university studies, community organisation and personal development programs to meet the WACE requirements.
"The recognition of wider learning opportunities available through programs such as this is one of the great strengths of the new WACE," Mrs Meldrum said.
To find out more about endorsed programs, contact Leanne Meldrum at leanne.meldrum@curriculum.wa.edu.au or telephone 9273 6746.
