Wongutha CAPS is a non-government school and is managed by an Aboriginal Board based in Kalgoorlie.
The school is on a farm and all students are involved in some form of land care or agriculture.
Wongutha CAPS is only for years 11 & 12 students.
Wongutha CAPS only accepts boarders (there is no day school program).
The whole educational program is vocationally directed; Wongutha CAPS offers a few general subjects and does not offer TEE subjects.
Teachers are a mix of trained teachers and qualified trades people. Trade teachers teach students in the trade areas and trained teachers teach English, Maths and other subjects.
Wongutha CAPS intensively prepares all students for work. Students are then involved in a work experience program (Workplace Learning). WL mentors and Workplace Coordinators support Students in the program.
Wongutha CAPS employs many indigenous staff in the school and hostel. These staff support students in a sympathetic environment.
The school curriculum is flexible. It is able to respond to the training requirements that Aboriginal students need for changing employment situations.
How long has Wongutha been around?
50 years of training! Wongutha Farm, near Esperance, has been training Aboriginal students since 1954; CAPS took over the training program in 1990, and Wongutha CAPS is now a year 11 and 12 vocational school for Aboriginal students.
CAPS was formed in 1981. The Board runs three schools, and has gained a reputation for their important contribution to Aboriginal Education.
Who runs Wongutha?
Aboriginal Board members. Nearly all of the Board members are Aboriginal people from the Eastern Goldfields. Many of the board members have been on the CAPS board since it was first formed.
Are there Aboriginal staff at Wongutha CAPS?
Yes. Aboriginal staff at Wongutha include teachers, support staff, and hostel managers and supervisors.
What is the purpose of Wongutha CAPS?
Wongutha CAPS is a Vocational school, which means that students will be trained for apprenticeships, traineeships, employment and pre-apprenticeships or further training.
Wongutha CAPS is a Christian School, all the staff are Christians and students receive training in Christian teaching and standards.
What courses does Wongutha CAPS offer?
Wongutha teaches a mixture of school-based subjects (eg Bible and Driver Training), Vocational subjects (eg Metalworking and Construction) and Curriculum council subjects (eg Maths and English).
Wongutha is a 2000 acre farm, with a training centre on 100 acres. The training centre (school) has hostels, classrooms, manual arts complex (metalwork, woodwork and mechanics), library, computer room, basketball stadium, go-kart track, horticultural centre, poultry facility, houses and administration centre.
The school also has equipment such as tractors, bicycles, horses, buses and lots more.
Where will I live?
There are both boys and girls hostels at Wongutha. Both hostels are well equipped and managed by Aboriginal staff. After hours activites include basketball, football, swimming, fishing, videos, motorcycles, music and outings of all varieties.
What sport can I play?
Wongutha boys are involved in the town football competition. At Wongutha, the students have access to a modern indoor basketball stadium and can play softball, soccer, basketball, volleyball, archery and other sports.
Who pays?
The Australian Government, through Abstudy, pays for students to attend Wongutha. Wongutha receives the students' "living away from home" allowance and this pays for students' food, accommodation and all of the boarding costs.
Students receive pocket money each week through the "Go for Gold" program. Students receive various amounts depending on the level they have reached in the program. This is calculated based on behaviour, work placement level and school level.
Who can go to Wongutha CAPS?
Students who are turning 15 can apply to come to Wongutha. Students should be prepared to work hard both in the classroom and also in practical subjects. For more information, visit the applications page
