‘Dramatic transformation’: Greater Shepparton Secondary College homework club gives results

Club co-ordinator Zachary Laffy said it was obvious COVID-19 had affected students’ education.

“We wanted a place where students could go to get extra attention and some one-on-one tutoring,” he said.

“These students need a place to feel comfortable and see the time their teachers are willing to sacrifice to assist them.”

Running for 90 minutes after school, the sessions attract between 20 and 30 students each week.

Different teachers attend the sessions, along with community volunteers who come to share their own stories and perspectives.

Year 8 student Shaima Khaksar said the club allowed her to ask questions about work she otherwise would have been forced to skip.

“My parents can’t speak English, so here (at the club) they can help me and the others too,” she said.

The school provided 20 laptops to loan to students in the club, which Mr Laffy initially felt would be of no use as each student had been given their own.

“I was wrong, many of these students have slow, damaged or missing laptops,“ he said.

“They have been unable to access technology to complete their schoolwork.

“Students have now begun loaning out these laptops and putting them to good use.”

He said the results spoke for themselves, with one student having undergone a “dramatic transformation” in their learning.

The student had been stressed over the amount of content in class, and even with additional study, they could not keep up.

The teacher offered to come into the club and assist the student with the coursework, which Mr Laffy said had made all the difference.

“One teacher dedicated an hour and a half once a week, it changed the experience of one student,” he said.

“That perfectly highlights what this program is about — sacrificing your own time for the benefit of another.”