Queensland’s answer to alternative education for disengaged youth, The BUSY Schools, will open its fourth campus in Coolangatta at the Gold Coast this April following the success of campuses opened in Cairns, Shailer Park and Salisbury in 2020 and 2021.

The opening of the Coolangatta campus will meet the growing demand for alternative schooling throughout Queensland for the many students who, for a variety of reasons, do not fit mainstream schooling.

CEO of The BUSY Schools Lee Aitken said the opening of the new campus provides Gold Coast students with the opportunity to engage with their learning in ways that are suited to their individual needs.

“We seek to understand the needs of the students to help re-engage them through a personalised approach for academic and employment outcomes,” he said.

“We’re really excited to be opening our fourth campus in Coolangatta, after identifying the increasing demand for alternative high schools and the need to service the southern end of the Gold Coast.”

The BUSY Schools, an independent senior secondary Special Assistance School network, provide individualised learning support, career planning, development and additional vocational training to year 11 and 12 students, with 420 students already enrolled throughout the state with that number expected to rise.

The first cohort of Coolangatta’s Year 11 students is set to commence on the 19^th April at their campus located in premises previously used by TAFE Queensland Gold Coast.

The small campus and classroom environment, which houses purpose-built classrooms, breakout rooms, a student kitchen and common room, recreation area and vocational training spaces, allow for alternative learning solutions with the support of vocational training and education through TAFE Queensland.

The BUSY Schools are an initiative of The BUSY Group, a not-for-profit organisation that delivers a range of employment, apprenticeship support and skills training for job seekers throughout Queensland, and reinvests into the community through initiatives like The BUSY Schools.

Paul Miles, Managing Director of the BUSY Group said the opening of the Coolangatta school was another significant step in supporting the Gold Coast community.

“The BUSY Schools recognises the need to support all young people to make the best start to their career. The BUSY Schools offer students who may not otherwise thrive in mainstream schooling a better change at fulfilling their education, skills and career goals.”

The BUSY Schools launched their first campus in Cairns in 2020, which proved to be a resounding success. Since then, two more campuses were opened in 2021, first in Shailer Park and then at Salisbury, all of which are experiencing strong demand.

Enrolment enquiries are being taken now for Term 2.

For more information on enrolling visit www.busyschools.qld.edu.au/the-enrolment-process 

It’s a new year, which means our teaching staff are working hard to plan for the year ahead, our students are enjoying their last few days of holidays before getting ready to return to school, and their parents are making sure they have everything they need for the school year.

By all accounts, it seems it’s the students who are most excited for 2022, especially our Year 12’s who will be graduating at the end of the school year. But until then, here’s what they’re most looking forward to in their final year at The BUSY Schools.

Tyler, Year 12 student at our Salisbury campus said, “This year, I am hoping to gain a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship in Speech Pathology as a result of the work experience I completed last year.”

Jade, Year 12 student at our Shailer Park campus said, “I am really looking forward to welcoming the Year 11 students this year and being a leader for them.”

Mackenzie, Year 12 student at Salisbury said, “I am looking forward to completing my Certificate II in Plumbing this year.”

Sophie, Year 12 student at Salisbury said, “I can’t wait to graduate and receive all the certificates I have worked extremely hard for.”

Armin, Year 12 student at Shailer Park said, “This year, I am hoping to gain a school-based apprenticeship in Construction.”

Kacy, Year 12 student at Shailer Park said, “Last year, I began a school-based traineeship in Hospitality at a wedding Venue in Coolabah Downs.”

“This year, I am looking forward to completing it and seeing what opportunities come from it once I graduate.”

Along with everything our Year 12 students are looking forward to this year, they are most excited to graduate; a goal that some of them previously believed was not possible before coming to BUSY Schools.

Isabella, Year 12 student at our Salisbury campus said, “BUSY Schools gave my mum hope and made me feel optimistic about my future.”

Prior to coming to The BUSY Schools, all students were considered disengaged with their education, but the support and encouraging environment provided at The BUSY Schools has re-engaged them with their education and focused on working life after school.

Kira, Year 12 Graduate from our Cairns campus said, “What surprised me most when I joined BUSY Schools is that there are lots of people like me out there, students that don’t fit the mould that mainstream schooling provides for.”

Lee Aitken, CEO for The BUSY Schools said, “The BUSY Schools provide a nurturing, exciting and engaging place for students who have already disengaged or who may be at risk of disengaging from mainstream schooling.”

“Each year, more people are finding out about our holistic and alternative approach to learning. This year, we have over 130 students enrolled at our Cairns campus, over 175 students enrolled at our Shailer Park campus, and almost 100 students enrolled at our Salisbury campus.”

To those considering attending The BUSY Schools, a current student, Armin says, “Definitely consider it. It’s a good school and it will lead you in the right direction.”

For more information or to enrol at one of our campuses, visit https://www.busyschools.qld.edu.au/

MEDIA CONTACT:                     

Michelle Ryan, BUSY At Work

0407 169 029 or email michelle.ryan@busyatwork.com.au