VCE Achiever

 

James Smoley – Melbourne High School

James is committed to making a difference to the lives of same-sex attracted youths in his school and wider community.

School-based achievements

The Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) at Melbourne High School is part of the Victorian Safe Schools Coalition and is recognised as a founding member.

As a leader in the GSA James has played a vital role in educating young people and teachers on a range of issues like mental and sexual health, homophobia and sexual inclusivity. ‘At school same-sex attracted students are often segregated or bullied and I wanted to challenge this. I want to give all students a sense of belonging and acceptance.’

At Melbourne High School the GSA education campaign created dialogue and strong debate among the student cohort. ‘The students learned a lot about themselves in the process. Ever since the campaign there has been a significant culture change in the school; for instance the word ‘gay’ is now rarely used as a derogatory term.’

As Student Wellbeing leader James set up a youth forum with students from MacRobertson Girls High School, to discuss issues facing students and young people. One of the projects to emerge from the discussions was the creation of a peer counselling system that trained student leaders in mental health issues.

James also helped set up a REACH program to develop student self-esteem and create awareness of mental health issues. The activities included a workshop on masculinity which was attended by 50 students from his all-male school.

James currently is school vice-captain and has been an active member of the student representative council.

Community-based achievements

Outside school James volunteers with Minus 18, an advocacy group run by young people that aims to empower same-sex attracted students through events that promote social inclusivity and activities that promote mental and sexual health.

James’s main role at Minus 18 is in peer-education, providing information and advice to young people on sexual health. He has made educational videos and organised sexual health workshops. James also raises awareness of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and promotes participation in research for a male vaccine.

Through his association with the GSA and Minus 18 he has also been instrumental in the development of Stand Out, a resource kit for schools on how to tackle homophobia.

Future

Next year James would like to study Arts at the University of Melbourne while continuing his advocacy work for same-sex attracted youths. Ultimately he would like to inspire curriculum change in sex education policy to include more information for same-sex attracted students.