In 2003 Russell Kerr was awarded the Westfield Premier's Education Scholarship which allowed him to explore educational programs designed to address the issues of students at risk of disconnecting with traditional education systems and the wider community in New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Italy. The experience allowed him to explore the many different ways educational institutions overseas were catering for students who were not responding to a normal school curriculum.

He discovered that by establishing trust and dual respect, effective teachers could establish a desire for learning in their students. Mr Kerr also discovered that student-teacher relationships were better formed in Italy where the educational system is not based on pen and paper, rather, on effective dialogue between teacher and student. In his opinion these students better respond to learning and relate more maturely with adults.

Frankston High School Students who are not responding to traditional teaching now have the opportunity to participate in the Hands On Learning program one day a week, where they spend their time working with a professional in design and creating structures which are beneficial to the community. The outcome for the students is a feeling of achievement and the development of a goal which helps them to find purpose in their education. As a result, Frankston High School has experienced a reduction in the level of early school leavers.

Hands On Learning students have built bridges, boats, stairs and fences, planted trees, and constructed a mud hut, volleyball court, and a pizza oven.

Frankston City Council began its relationship with Russell Kerr and the Hands On Learning Program in early 2005. Since then the Hands On Learning Program has aided in the building of fences and the refurbishment of Guide Halls.

Guide Hall Before Guide Hall After

The project has been a model for three other schools, Mt Erin, Monterey and Carrum Downs secondary colleges. The program is also operating in the northern suburbs of Melbourne including Lakeside and LaTrobe secondary colleges.

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