Together with other key organisations Bethany identified the need for several homework clubs to target the educational disadvantage being experienced by children in the Northern Suburbs as well as refugee children from Sudan and Liberia.

Bethany’s homework clubs aim to act as a social and educational intervention and will operate in partnership with Corio Primary School and Diversitat.  Initially two homework clubs operated, however it is envisaged that over time a network of clubs will be developed in the region.

Homework Clubs are Out of School Hours Learning Support Programs which provide a safe, appropriate and supportive environment for volunteer tutors to assist children to complete their homework. 

The program will operate two Homework Clubs in the Northern Suburbs – one for grade 5 and 6 children at Corio Primary School and one for Burmese (Karen) children at South Corio Primary School.

Homework Clubs will be promoted to children and their families as a fun place to learn and complete their homework.  The clubs will consist of individualised learning support as well as educational games and fun activities.

Homework clubs operate after school hours at least one afternoon per week and are staffed by volunteer tutors.

Aims of the Program

Homework Clubs will:

• Address the significant learning difficulties experienced by vulnerable children and allow students to feel competent and confident to continue onto secondary schooling.
• Equip children with skills to tackle their school work and provide additional knowledge, such as computer and organisational skills, in a safe, shared environment
• Provide opportunities for positive role modelling, and new relationships with volunteer tutors.
• To assist in the development of a greater sense of belonging, self esteem and achievement
• Facilitate and equip volunteers to work together in partnership to provide educational support otherwise not available to participating children
• Promote the value of education and learning, and increase participants connectedness to the school.

Tute Groups - Bethany Shell Homework Clubs

Bethany Community Support Inc and Shell Geelong Refinery are coming together to work in partnership to provide the Bethany Shell Northern Suburbs Homework Clubs for a period of three years (2009 – 2011) under Shell’s Social Investment Program.

This partnership is underpinned by a shared commitment to working to improve the educational outcomes of children living in the Northern Suburbs of Geelong and the recognition that education is essential to addressing issues of poverty and disadvantaged on a longer term basis.