What is the Follow the Dream Program?
The Follow the Dream program is inspired by Graham (Polly) Farmer’s vision for all young Aboriginal people to have every opportunity to succeed in life, develop their talents and take their rightful place in society. Follow the Dream is delivered through an ongoing partnership between the Western Australian Department of Education and the Polly Farmer Foundation.
Achieving academic success lies at the heart of the program through students having access to individualised after-school tutoring and mentoring that improves performance across all areas of the curriculum. Follow the Dream also provides enriched educational and extra-curricular experiences for aspirant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. The program celebrates culture, strengthens a sense of belonging and connection to country and community, empowering students to pursue their goals and aspirations in life.
What does Follow the Dream Offer?
Objectives:
- Students’ academic outcomes and talents enable the pursuit of their aspirations.
- Students achieve a WACE upon completion of Year 12.
- Student wellbeing underpins positive engagement and academic success.
- Students’ Aboriginal cultural identity is acknowledged and celebrated.
- Students have a sense of self knowledge and agency about their capacities, interests and potential future pathways.
- Families and communities actively engage in shaping and implementing the program.
- Students and alumni access unique experiential opportunities through the FTD network.
- Students and alumni are role models and leaders within their schools and communities.
Framework
The Follow the Dream program design and delivery is based on an inter-connected model of five key program elements. Developing and implementing programs which consider the elements and that reflect the needs of students and local contexts, supports the achievement of the program’s stated objectives.
Who facilitates the FTD Program?
Mr Dave Smith – Coordinator
Mr Dave Smith is the Follow the Dream Coordinator at Gilmore College. He has spent many years developing and implementing innovative programs that demonstrate respect and improve outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in public education.
Mr Smith was recognised for his work relating to Reconciliation when he was awarded the inaugural 2018 State School Teachers Union of Western Australia – Reconciliation in Action Award and was nominated for the 2018 Australian Education Union Arthur Hamilton Award for his Outstanding Contribution to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education.
For more information about the Follow the Dream program please email or phone the school – Gilmore.College@education.wa.edu.au or (08) 6595 2700.