NESTLED in the rural hinterland at Kureelpa, Blackall Range Independent School is one of the longest running independent schools on the Sunshine Coast. It has 35 years experience delivering the Queensland Studies Authority’s curriculum in an approach that considers each individual learner, in a small school community. The Non State Schools Accreditation Board has recently approved the inclusion of Years 11 and 12 to the program under the guidelines of the new Queensland Certificate of Education, expanding the school’s independent learning program to provide formal accreditation on the completion of school.
Grades 11 and 12 have just been given the green light at Blackall Range Independent School – and no one is happier than the new senior high students, who can now stay on.
The school boasts a highly qualified staff who have long term experience in child centred education and many with post graduate qualifications. The staff welcomes the addition of two new colleagues this year: Cathy Burke, who comes from lecturing in Primary Curriculum at USC to take a lower primary class and Jesse Miller who is a new graduate of USC, who will teach in Middle Years.
“This is a very exciting year for us at BRIS”, says Principal, Russell Walker. “Our secondary staff over the last couple of years have approached Year 10 as a Senior Phase year, so many of our students have already completed University courses through Central Queensland University’s ‘SUN’ program, TAFE courses, Music exams, other external courses and Independent Projects that contribute to their senior study. With the inclusion of Year 11 and 12, our students can continue to follow their individual preferences, with all that they do counting towards their QCE.
“This year we already have one Year 11 student enrolled in Mathematics and one in Creative Writing in the Headstart Program at USC. Our senior students are breathing a huge sigh of relief as they can rest assured that they can now complete their secondary education, without the upheaval of moving to another school.”
School Mentor, Dr Bob Grandin, agrees. “BRIS is a lighthouse school,” he said. “It is showing the way with an education program that focuses on the
achievements of each unique student whilst using the community, plus the child’s interests, to generate the activity through which the skill elements of the curriculum are delivered.” An Adjunct Senior Lecturer at USC,
Dr Grandin has had extensive experience within non- traditional education. He is currently involved in an international research project focussing on student wellbeing.
School improvements and a new primary classroom have been initiated following the Federal Government stimulus initiatives. This has allowed a small growth in numbers and limited places are available at most levels.
Now that the school can offer Prep to Year 12 it is expected that other innovative initiatives will be taken. 35 years ago the founders of the school looked to provide a joyful experience of learning for children at school and the BRIS community believes that it is consolidating this objective.
The school community of BRIS would like to publicly thank and acknowledge local member Peter Wellington, for his continued interest and lobbying on behalf of this small and unique school.
For further enquiries contact the office on 07 5441 5227 or email: office@brischool.com.au
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