(2) The table above shows that year 10 enrolments increased by 4 students between term 1 and term 2. The enrolments in year 11 fell by 20 students, and the year 12 enrolments fell by 38 students over the same period of time.

(3) All government high schools and colleges report on year 10, 11 and 12 students who leave school early. As a result of an exit interview conducted at the school/college with each student, the reasons for leaving are recorded by schools. Reasons for leaving include: finding employment; undertaking an apprenticeship or traineeship; already Certificated; and moving to another school in the ACT, interstate or overseas. The schools, colleges and the department use this information along with other data to inform their planning and address any significant curriculum or pastoral care issues.

The Student to Industry Program, funded by the Commonwealth through the Enterprise and Career Education Foundation, also runs a destination survey of all ACT students who have participated in Vocational Placements and Structured Work Placements through their service.

(4) All schools interview students prior to leaving school to seek employment or when moving between schools.

Every school and college has a Student Welfare Team which supports students considering leaving. This team usually comprises the school counsellor, year coordinators and learning assistance coordinator. In high schools, work experience coordinators give guidance to students who may be considering leaving school. In colleges, careers advisors, counsellors and VET in Schools coordinators provide this guidance.

Many schools also use specific targeted programs for students identified as being potential early leavers.

(5) The Government has funded several initiatives that will, among other things, improve retention rates among high school and college students.

(a) The Individual Pathway Plans Initiative, a 2002/03 Budget initiative, is currently being trialled and will be implemented for all year 10 students in 2004. The Individual Pathways Plans Initiative aims to provide all students from years 9-12 with a digital portfolio or written record of their strengths, interests, goals and achievements. Through the development of a pathways plan, young people will be supported to take an active role in shaping their own transitions through secondary education to further study and work.

(b) The 2003/04 Budget contained an initiative to provide youth workers in each high school. The first eight youth workers, as part of a new multidisciplinary approach to School Counselling and student support, will be in place in 2004. The arrangements are being