Enrolment

Supporting young people who have experienced disconnection or marginalisation from the mainstream school system to reconnect to their education, communities and futures. Located in Frankston, David Scott School (DSS) is a senior secondary specialist assistance school for young people aged 15 to 20 who have experienced barriers to school connection.

Our Classroom

Each classroom has a maximum of 16 students enrolled, based on the enrolled certificate (VPC, VM Year 1 or VM Year 2). Each class is supported by their Triad (Teacher, Wellbeing Practitioner and Learning Support Educator) which does not change throughout the school year. Classes are located in one permanent classroom throughout the year not requiring moving based on subjects.

Our Curriculum

DSS offers accredited and transferrable certification for students who are ready to learn in an applied learning setting. It delivers three certifications, all of which are competency based:

• Victorian Certificate of Education Vocational Major (VCE VM)
• Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC)
• Vocational Education and Training (VET)

“I like it here. Nothing in life is perfect but we’re all in it together and it’s all good. Teachers, students, everyone. All working with me to get me to where I want to go. We have a laugh or sometimes a cry and the day goes on. I never thought I’d finish school and here I am. About to graduate Year 12 next week.”

Year 12 Graduate

Our Intake Process

Each DSS student has a different pathway to, through and beyond their school experience. Many have approached the school themselves, while others have been referred by their previous schools, by allied and mental health support services, or by parents and/or carers.

After an inquiry is made to DSS, either by the student or on their behalf, information and a referral form is sent out. Once DSS has received a referral, the student, families and/or support workers will be contacted. If there are current places available, the student will be offered a meeting at the school with the intake team. Where possible, it is beneficial for students to have a supportive adult – such as a parent, carer or support worker – involved in the intake process.

The DSS model intentionally takes a strengths-based, capabilities approach to maintain a positive experience for students. This student-centric approach is supported by three domains:

The school is not exclusionary in its intake process but does prioritise students who: 

• identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander 
• have lived experience of out-of-home care 
• face mental health challenges + have had encounters with youth justice 
• have experience of family violence 
• face employment challenges and/or financial hardship 
• are homeless or at risk of homelessness and/ or experiencing insecure housing
• undertake caring and/or parenting responsibilities.

Please note, students must be 15 years of age to enroll.

If offered a place, there follows a negotiated process of transitioning the student into the classroom. This involves meeting with their classroom ‘triad’ (teacher, wellbeing worker and learning support educator), and completing some short pieces of work so that staff can ascertain the learning levels with which the student is most comfortable.

Enquiry Form

For questions, email enrolment@davidscottschool.vic.edu.au