Circular Head – A community of learners
The
aim for the 26TEN Circular Head community is for residents have the
literacy and numeracy skills to achieve their learning and employment
goals.
Why does Circular Head need support with adult literacy and numeracy?
The
Circular Head Education and Training Consultative Committee estimated
that between 3,000 and 4,000 people in their community might benefit
from support to improve their literacy and numeracy skills. This
estimate is based on the data that around one in two Tasmanians struggle
with everyday literacy and numeracy.
Who decided that Circular Head should have a Community Literacy Plan?
The
Circular Head Education and Training Consultative Committee was formed
to build skills and increase school retention rates post year 10. It is a
committee of the Circular Head Council and members include people from
the Council, LINC Tasmania, business and industry, local schools,
TasTAFE and the University of Tasmania.
How did the working group develop the plan?
26TEN
provided some funding for a small working group to develop a five-year
plan to improve literacy and numeracy skills in the area in 2013.
The
working group researched current evidence on improving adult literacy
levels, looking in particular at what helps change community attitudes
and behaviours in positive ways. They also analysed demographic data to
develop a more detailed picture of the age, gender, cultural,
educational and workforce profile of the Circular Head community.
How did the working group engage the community in developing the plan?
The
group worked with a consultant to learn how literacy was viewed in the
community. The group spoke to a range of people, including clients of
literacy support services, volunteer tutors, business people, school
students, parents of young children, and people who know their part of
the community well but aren't necessarily service providers. They
considered a number of questions, such as:
- Is literacy an issue in Circular Head?
- Does it matter? How important is it?
- Do people talk about literacy? If not, what stops them?
- How can we encourage people to improve their literacy?
- Do people know about the support programs available?
- How might we mobilise the whole community to take action?
Methods
of consultation included one-to-one interviews with people, small focus
groups, and a community forum that brought together service providers
and community members. At the forum, the content of the proposed
Community Literacy Plan was explained and participants were asked to
comment and offer other ideas. Overall, the community engagement process
involved approximately 100 people.
What is in the plan?
The
Circular Head Community Literacy Plan 2014-2019: Learn for Life
contains ideas from local people about engaging and motivating people,
including ways to:
- change community values about learning
- engage more children and parents in early learning programs.
- engage more students in years 11 and 12 and literacy programs
- encourage more young people and adults to continue to learn and to improve their literacy after Year 12.
Where can I read the plan?
There
is now a rich pool of information and ideas that will help the
community put its literacy plan into action over the next five years.
For more information visit the Circular Head Council website at www.circularhead.tas.gov.au.
Where can I find out more about 26TEN Communities and get help building my own?
Visit the 26TEN website www.26ten.tas.gov.au and click on Build your community.