Follow the Dream program supports students who aspire to successfully complete their secondary schooling, show aptitude for learning, and demonstrate a positive approach towards education. 

Academic enrichment lies at the heart of the program, with each student offered literacy and numeracy support, specialist tutoring, personalised learning plans, one-on-one mentoring, and practical experience. 

Throughout the academic year, selected students also engage in a range of extra-curricular activities that broaden their horizons, build resilience, develop confidence and promote cultural pride. 

The program introduces students to a wealth of experiences, opens their eyes to a huge range of post-school pathways, and encourages them to dream big. Students who are part of the ‘Follow the Dream family’ gain a sense of identity, belonging, and purpose. Not only do they embark on a positive post-school pathway, but they emerge as strong leaders and role models for their peers, siblings and wider community. 

What does Follow the Dream offer? 

• Specialist tutoring to promote academic achievement 
• Improving graduation rates 
• One-on-one mentoring 
• Literacy and numeracy extension 
• Personalised Learning Plan 
• Support for active school participation 
• Career camps 
• University tours 
• Excursion and experiences to enrich learning  
• Workplace visits, internships, work experience and vac work 
• Leadership extension 
• Inspirational speakers and models of success 
• Cultural experiences and celebrations
• Emotional and well-being support 
• Life-long membership of our Alumni Network 

Follow the Dream at Hedland Senior High School 

In 2001, the Graham (Polly) Farmer Foundation brought together BHP, The Department of Education WA and the Hedland school community to establish a Follow The Dream program. 

The program’s primary aim is to support aspiring students to reach their potential through increasing school attendance, lifting overall academic performance, and improving graduation rates. BHP and the Western Australian Department of Education have been proud supporters of the Hedland Follow The Dream program since 2003. 

Approximately selected 45 students from Hedland Senior High School in Years 7-12 participate in the Follow the Dream program, which is delivered on-site in a dedicated space. Participants have access to support throughout the day from the Program Coordinator, and receive speciality tuition and development after school from tutors with a wide range of expertise who engage and extend students in both their studies and life goals. 

Students are encouraged to identify their strengths and extend themselves in those areas by accessing tutors and other resources. They are also encouraged to support their peers and represent Follow the Dream positively within the community.    

Follow the Dream is an application-based program. Students need to apply and demonstrate: 

• Strong attendance at school (aiming for 85%+)  
• ‘C’ Grades or higher and commitment to achieving your best  
• Attend FTD tutoring sessions after school 
• Show respect to each other, their teachers and themselves.  
• Excellent behaviour  
• Strong work ethic

Interested in joining the program? 

For more information, please contact Hedland Senior High School’s Follow the Dream Coordinator Jessica Albers on (08) 9158 1900 or via email at Jessica.Albers@education.wa.edu.au