When Geraldine High School's Primary Industry Academy signed up for Street Smart, it was a last-minute scramble - nine students, squeezed in on the final day of term. What happened over the following two days changed teacher Sarah Foley-Smith's mind about what "worthwhile" really looks like. After years of putting her own kids through defensive driving courses, and fifteen years of attending school events, she says this is the one that's actually stuck. Here's her feedback:
“Geraldine High School's Primary Industry Academy (PIA) were late arrivals to this, scrambling to find students on the last day of term. I sold it to the students, telling them it looked like it would be amazing and heaps of fun - basing this on having done something similar myself back in the day, but more importantly, once I saw that Hayden and Staz Roberts were involved, I knew it would be worthwhile.
I had nine students attend, and they were of a wide range of abilities and experience, including some very high-risk drivers - I feel we covered a very, very wide demographic.
All nine students are used to giving brutally honest feedback and are not backward in coming forward in letting me know when they think something was a waste of time. I asked all students for feedback, with the instructions being to make sure they were very honest in telling me their thoughts on the day, and to give it a ranking out of 10.
I also attended - firstly, to check my students were all okay, prepared and came with the right attitude. Secondly, to make sure what I had sold as being amazing truly was. Thirdly, to meet everyone involved, as having put my own children through defensive driving and the RYDA course, I know there is a massive gap in relevant practical driving courses. The aforementioned being a complete and utter waste of time and money. I have attended both of those courses, both in my capacity as a teacher and as a parent.
I was hopeful the course would be worth it, and my expectations were blown away. I have come away with a desire to try and make sure this happens every year, that it is funded, and that the funding goes to courses like this that are 100% beneficial - with the money not wasted on other tick-the-box type courses.
I was so impressed with everyone who gave up their time to make the days happen. I can't believe how brave the Roberts family are, and I admire Ben for fronting up. The talk given by Hayden and Ben made an impact with my students.
I truly believe that this course will save lives.”
- Sarah Foley-Smith, Teacher, PIA Geraldine High