Valuing Well-Being in Education

Rowan Cox, CEO Atwea College. Image Source: Atwea College.

Alesco Senior College is set to celebrate its 21st year of success this year, and this wouldn’t have been possible without all the staff involved in creating a learning environment that is safe, supportive, and positive.

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Alesco is a secondary school that believes that for students to have the greatest chance of success, well-being and learning must work closely together, a belief that has seen students benefit from the support of both teachers and peers.

From being named one of the fastest growing schools in NSW in 2018, Alesco now has seven campuses spanning from Newcastle, Hunter Valley and up the coast.

“Alesco is different - we purposely limit the number of students in each class and how many students are on each campus,” says Atwea College CEO Rowan Cox.

“This ensures that the diverse needs of the students can be better accommodated in the classroom and the relationships of trust and teamwork can be better maintained between staff and students.”

In 2019, Alesco was named a finalist in the Australian Education Awards – Special Education School of the Year. With recognition and an achievement like this, Alesco has been able to go from strength to strength in ensuring a safe, supportive, and positive learning environment for young people.

In the first years, Alesco offered a Life Skills program, but by 2004, they were offering HSC. Now offering HSC and further Vocational training, the Alesco teaching model has helped students re-engage in learning and assisted them in finding a sense of purpose and achievement.

With 21 years up its sleeve and looking forward to the next 21 years and beyond, Alesco Senior College has set its sights on a name change. With the increased demand for places for students who need assistance in finding a healthy transition to high school, the new name will reflect plans for the Alesco teaching method to be offered to all secondary school years.

“We have a strong well-being framework that goes beyond Academic well-being; it also includes emotional, social, cultural, physical, and financial well-being initiatives throughout the school,” Rowan says.

“Alesco emphasises the engagement of students. We achieve this through creating small, safe, supported environments, staff working with students based on empowerment, rather than a model of power and control”.