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 19th 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
