A new school in Shepparton is offering an alternative for young people disengaged with mainstream options and is taking enrolments for 2023.
Indie School is based on adult education, where students use teachers’ first names and no uniform is required.
It has smaller class sizes, of 12 to 15 students, individual learning plans tailored to students’ strengths and interests, a shorter school day, and a focus on wellbeing.
“We have a strength-based and positive-support approach in that it’s not so much around trying to control your class, but really how can we best support you to be ready to learn,” head of school Liz Withall said.
“For some of our young people there may be other things going on outside of school that is impacting their ability to learn that day.”
Ms Withall worked in mainstream schools for more than 20 years and said she became disillusioned hearing young people say they didn’t want to go to school or didn’t like school.
“I really believe every young person should be able to thrive in education,” she said.
“We really believe in the importance of our young people feeling connected and as part of the school community, we want them to enjoy coming along and have a bit of fun.”
Student wellbeing is nurtured through ‘check-in time’ before classes begin in the morning, and students can talk with the wellbeing officer if needed, while breakfast and lunch is also provided.
But Ms Withall made sure to highlight that the school still held high expectations of the students.
In 2023, Indie School is offering the Victorian Year 10 curriculum, VCE Vocational Major, known as VM — which is replacing VCAL — and VET, with a commercial kitchen being built at the Indie College next door.
There’s also no cost for students at Indie School, which is federally funded, and school books are all supplied.
Indie School Shepparton is part of the Albury Wodonga Community College organisation and is one of about 20 Indie Schools and Indie Colleges in Australia.
Enrolments are open for year 10 and 11 in 2023, and anyone interested is welcome to visit and take a tour to see if it is the place for them.
The school is also recruiting experienced teachers.
Indie School Shepparton is located at 575-585 Wyndham St, Shepparton. For inquiries, contact Liz Withall by emailing liz.withall@indie.edu.au