Young trailblazers: How Albany Senior High School engaged at-risk students
Research shows that male students are prone to disengage from learning in Year 8-9. And Albany Senior High School (ASHS) wanted to make sure that didn’t happen. In partnership with Youth Great Southern, ASHS launched an innovative project for students at risk: planning, designing, and constructing a mountain bike trail, right on the school grounds.
Program focus: Hands-on learning
ASHS selected students from low socio-economic backgrounds who had limited academic success and were at risk of further disengagement. Recognising that not all students thrive behind a desk, the program sought to offer an alternative learning environment that emphasised practical skills development.
The program revolved around the creation of a mountain bike trail on the sloped hill above the school grounds. It was chosen to give students a tangible, hands-on task that they could take pride in, while also developing transferable skills. The inclusion of physical work outside the classroom was designed to increase school enjoyment and foster a sense of achievement among the students.
Project activities: From vision to construction
The program brought in specialist planning and construction skills from Outdoors Great Southern, with Youth Great Southern funding covering planning, site preparation, materials, and track construction over the course of eight weeks. Students worked under the guidance of professionals, gaining both theoretical and practical knowledge in trail building.
Throughout the project, students developed a range of skills, including teamwork, communication, project planning, and hands-on construction techniques. By working outside of a traditional classroom setting, students were able to engage in a learning process that felt relevant and rewarding.
Impact: Boosted engagement and lasting change
The project successfully met its objectives, delivering a 50-metre downhill mountain bike trail for use by the wider school community. The outcomes extended beyond the physical trail, as students experienced growth in self-confidence, respect from peers, and improved teamwork skills.
One of the most encouraging outcomes was the impact on school attendance. Data showed that more than half of the program participants improved their attendance during the project and maintained this level after its completion. This indicates a sustained positive effect on their engagement with school.
The trail also serves as a new teaching resource for ASHS’s Outdoor Education students, allowing future students to benefit from the practical skills and teamwork that the initial participants gained.
“A noticeable change of group dynamic, and increase in positive interactions was observed as the project progressed. Many of the boys had not engaged in physical labour previously, or worked under direction as part of a team, and this is valuable work experience for them to have.”
Strong futures for Great Southern young people
In partnership with organisations like Outdoors Great Southern and ASHS, Youth Great Southern is committed to creating pathways that secure strong futures for young people in the Great Southern region. We are always keen to collaborate with local organisations that share our values.
If you have a project in mind or would like to explore how we can work together, get in touch!