Blacktown City Council supports Mt Druitt Homework Centre
Friday, November 6, 2009
Blacktown City Council will provide financial assistance to the Mt Druitt Homework Centre.
By way of a one-off contribution of $5,000 to the Homework Centre which has been running since February 2008 at the Bidwill Uniting Church Hall.
The Homework Centre provides free homework support for primary and secondary school students each Tuesday and Thursday of the school term, between 6pm and 9pm.
"This is a great initiative of the local community that provides valuable assistance to local students and their academic achievements", Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Charlie Lowles said.
The Homework Centre is run by local community members, including local university and TAFE students who provide tutorial assistance. These volunteers assist in the running of activities and act as role models to students.
"Over 60 students attend this program which is a great response".
"The Homework Centre is assisting our City's young people in achieving their academic potential, providing opportunities for them to receive tutorial support in a safe and friendly environment".
"This contribution will assist in helping the Centre to continue for another year", Mayor Lowles continued.
Council will also assist the Homework Centre in applying for future funding grants and seeking more volunteer tutors.
In addition to the Homework Centre program there are a range of services run throughout Blacktown City which offer a range of online and other assistance for students including but not restricted to:
There are 5 library branches within the Blacktown Local Government Area
Blacktown, Mount Druitt, Stanhope, Riverstone and Lalor Park
1. Online Free tutoring service: yourtutor
Free homweork help - connection to a live tutor online from the library's website which can be accessed from home or in the library www.yourtutor.com.au for details or www.libraries.blacktown.nsw.gov.au and click on yourtutor to connect. Service avavilable Mon-Fri, 4.00pm-8.00pm
NB Council held HSC lectures in June 2009 in English and essay writing skills as well as interactive mathematics workshops.
2. Resources
Many resources including a dedicated HSC collection eg study guides, such as Excel and Macquarie, criticisms, prescribed texts for in-house reference use and some titles available for loan. Plus many other resources in a variety of formats (includes clippings service for HSC subjects, legal resources and much more). You can search for HSC Resources through the Library catalogue
http://www.libcat.blacktown.nsw.gov.au
3. Free online databases eg Master File Premier, Facts on File Science Online, Britannica Online. Some are available via the Library's webpage from home. 4. Access to information professionals to help with research 5. Dedicated quiet / study space/areas. 6. Free access to PCs with internet and word processing, free wireless connectivity at every branch library. 7. Ask-A-Librarian free email service - check out the Library's webpage http://www.libraries.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/ 8. Students4Students Coaching have partnered with Blacktown City Libraries to offer a free coaching service for students at Max Webber Library Blacktown every Tuesday 4.00pm-6.00pm during term. Special emphasis on science and mathematics. 9. FREE homework help: Blacktown Youth Service Association together with the Max Webber Library offer free homework help every Wednesday during school terms from 3.30pm-5.30pm - emphasis is on assisting students whose first language is not English. Homework Help sessions are also offered at Emerton Youth Recreation Centre on Tuesdays and Wednesday from 4pm-6pm. For any further information on any of these initiatives please contact Council on 9839 6000.
