School retention and second chance schooling (2012-2018)

This project is concerned with the retention of school students and the expanding growth of second chance schooling for young people who have left mainstream schools in Australia and the UK. The project will 1) provide a comparative study of the policy terrain relating to school retention and the functioning of second chance schools in each location; 2) work with such schools to improve the engagement of students, to promote the quality of curriculum and pedagogy in the schools, and to broaden the options available to students who attend these schools; and 3) enhance understandings of inclusion and social justice in relation to retention policies in mainstream schools.