Nuriootpa High School has been working with Lighthouse Youth Projects Inc. (LYP) during semester one to support educational engagement, social connection and personal growth in at-risk students across years eight and nine.

The bike-based mentoring program, aligned with the Australian Curriculum, has been specifically designed for young people who have, or at-risk of disengaging with education. Through intentional BMX activities, the LYP ‘Balance’ program provides an opportunity to redirect thrill-seeking behaviour into positive alternatives, while exploring factors that influence behaviours and the impacts choices have on wellbeing.

Coordinated by Reengaging in Mainstream Education (RiME) teacher, Mr Reece Worrall, small groups of Nuriootpa High School students have had the opportunity to work with Lighthouse mentors both at school and at off-site.

LYP mentors reflected that the students were respectful, safe and willing to learn.

“It was fantastic to see them all choose to make the best of a rad session,” commented Vinnie Mcdeed, LYP bike mentor.

The sessions provided the setting for students to build confidence and positive self-talk, form supportive peer relationships and demonstrate leadership.

“To see students take controlled risks and gain confidence in the session was so rewarding,” said Mr Worrall, RiME teacher.

The RiME team is exploring options to implement the program again in 2027, with the view to expanding the opportunity to more students.