Special ed’s surging on

A SURGE in students leaving mainstream schooling is fuelling independent education, says a Gold Coast principal adding a second campus.

A census by Independent Schools Queensland (ISQ) has revealed Special Assistance Schooling (SAS), a program focused on at-risk youth is now offered in more than 10 per cent of independent schools statewide.

It is three times the number offering SAS courses in 2013.

Schools with SAS support young people dealing with deep trauma or disadvantage, to complete their education.

Arcadia College, at Varsity Lakes is a prime example of growing demand for alternative options through SAS.

It opens its second campus mid next year with construction to begin any day. Arcadia was designed for young people who have disengaged from mainstream schooling.

Arcadia principal Michael Roberts said his school had followed the trend with student numbers jumping from 40 to 230 in just six years.

“There is absolutely a need for a different approach to education, that is why growth is so enormous,” Mr Roberts said.

“On the Gold Coast, Government schools are almost routinely above 1500 students, so this feeling of being lost in the crowd is one a lot of students come to us saying.

“We also see quite a lot coming to us because of bullying in mainstream schools, others come to us because they are different and don't fit in.”

Mr Roberts said the school’s priority was providing a tailored one-on-one experience.

SAS schools are also staffed by welfare workers, counsellors and educators to draw out student strengths. “Not only do we have smaller class sizes, we have a model whereby we have one or three teachers in the classroom,” he said.

The new multimillion-dollar campus to be built at Robina has a rock climbing wall, indoor sports area and bright classrooms with modern design.

ISQ acting executive director Mark Newham said while the traditional school model served the majority of students well, it wasn’t the right environment for all.