MARDEN SENIOR COLLEGE

Ms CICCARELLO (Norwood) (17:05): I have spoken recently about the many wonderful community groups and volunteer organisations in my electorate that continue to provide a magnificent service to those who need a helping hand, a friendly ear or some form of practical or financial assistance. They are all outstanding contributors to our society and rightfully deserve our recognition.

We sometimes tend to forget, however, that it is not just community organisations and dedicated groups of volunteers that are out there striving to provide opportunities for those who might not have followed the traditional paths of life. One such institution I wish to speak about today is Marden Senior College, which was established in 1992 on the site of the former Marden high school and which is one of South Australia's seven designated adult re-entry schools.

As an adult re-entry school, it is committed to finding educational solutions to address the diverse and many needs of students who seek to resume or continue their studies. The college program includes a full range of SACE year 11 and year 12 subjects, bridging courses, adult literacy courses, a range of vocational certificate courses, and a University of South Australia bridging course for adult students. It also includes enrichment courses for students to pursue for their own particular needs and interests.

The motto of Marden Senior College is, 'Your pathway to success.' I can think of no better statement that reflects the mutual commitment of Marden and its students to set them upon meaningful and manageable pathways to employment and further study. Every educational institution in this state is obviously committed to enhancing the opportunities for its students, but Marden Senior College is unique because its programs and facilities are specifically targeted to address and meet the needs of a student group that is largely characterised by previous failure and subsequent disenchantment with the school system or at risk of dropping out of school (many already have), with a long interrupted schooling history, and most are juggling a range of family and work responsibilities with their study commitments. I am delighted that the success of its targeted groups and total staff commitment is resonating with the general community.

Last year, Marden Senior College achieved its largest enrolment on record and, over the course of the year, more than 2,000 individual students signed up for classes. The proof is in the pudding: last year, at the stage 2 SACE level, 13 students received merit awards; 172 students attained an A grade; 123 students applied for university places (up from 104 in 2006); and 102 received offers (up from 78 in 2006).

A total of 61 students applied for TAFE places (up from 37 in 2006); 47 received offers (up from 28); and 144 students completed certificate and diploma courses that will enable them to pursue further TAFE study or undertake employment in their chosen field. These are all outstanding results, and I congratulate the men and women who have, in many cases, successfully overcome life difficulties to embark on a new journey of learning.

I have enjoyed a long association with Marden Senior College and visited it many times over the years; in fact, I was on its governing council for many years. I have always been impressed with the facilities the college provides and the absolute commitment shown by the staff in mentoring and encouraging students to achieve their goals. This is clearly shown by the enthusiasm with which present and past students attribute their success at the college to the level of engagement between students and teachers and to a broad curriculum that is responsive to their diverse needs

Last month, I had the enormous privilege of presenting certificates and medallions to those students who received merit awards and those who had been placed on the 2007 register of achievers. The stories of students included in the register are truly inspirational, and their accounts of how a second chance at education has enabled them to pursue their goals and dreams should be more than enough to encourage and motivate today's generation of students to make a decision to change their life. Some have been absent from the education system for more than 20 years yet they are now successfully undertaking university courses. This is exactly what the college is all about—providing a new pathway to success.

I am proud to have Marden Senior College in my electorate. I take this opportunity to acknowledge and commend the tireless work undertaken by the principal, Chris Dolan, and his team of dedicated, committed staff; and to all I extend my congratulations on a job well done.