The Berne Education Centre was established in 1998 to provide a positive education option for students in Years 7 - 10 whose education is at risk. The Centre is for students who are behaviour disordered, school refusers or who are not coping with traditional schools, either academically or emotionally. If not for an oppportunity to attend a Centre like Berne, realistically these students will not achieve their school certificate (Year 10) and will find it very difficult to enter the workplace, or achieve milestones recognised by the larger community.

Our school provides innovative education options for students in Years 7 - 10 (including focused vocational and outdoor education programs). Qualified counselling staff at Berne write and deliver programs relevant to the school's areas of interest, and currently operate a six week parent education program.

Other programs/sevices at Berne include: Itinerant Behaviour Teacher, Suspension Withdrawal and Assistance program, Changing Lanes program(supporting ex-students of Berne) and Buddies & Friends (mentoring program for current students).

In the past nine years, Berne has educated over 303 students. Most of these completed their Year 10 School Certificate: a task beyond them were they not enrolled at Berne. Research tells us that without this basic qualification, the risks of chronic unemployment and social alienation are very high. A growing number of Berne students are now going on to complete Years 11 and 12; many complete traineeships and apprenticeships or find a place in the workplace that suits them. Some of our ex-students have completed, or are currently undertaking university studies.

Berne treats each student individually, and lives up to its motto of �Hope Always�. The innovative programs at Berne are designed to re-engage students in learning, focusing on skill development and behavioural change to achieve sustainable behaviours and positive relationships with families and the wider community.

The Berne Education Centre
1 Thomas Street
Lewisham, NSW  2049
Ph: 02 9560 9260
Fax: 02 9560 9290
Web: http://www.berneeducation.org
Email: [email protected]

ABN: 68159428251       DGR: yes

Volunteering: Phone 02 9560 9260 for details OR Email this address [email protected] listing your contact details and how you might be able to help.