School in class of its own

A ONE-of-a-kind middle school with longer school days specialising in children with reading and learning difficulties has been approved to open on the Gold Coast in 2021.

Mastery Schools Australia, based at Varsity Lakes, has been given the go-ahead by the Non-State Schools Accreditation Board to welcome students on January 27.

Those behind the school say enrolment numbers are already growing.

The first dedicated middle school (years 4-9) on the Gold Coast for disengaged students is one of just a few in Australia that will focus exclusively on the needs of students who have fallen behind or are experiencing learning difficulties.

Based in the former Arcadia College site, the school features curriculum and teaching designed with an emphasis on the science of how students learn, longer school day to help students make progress and a focus on explicit and direct instruction-style of teaching.

There will also be a 1:6 ratio of classroom staff to students to ensure small class sizes.

While independent, the school will have no ongoing tuition fees.

“The aim of Mastery Schools Australia is for each student to reach their full potential academically and socially,” a school spokesman said. “We guarantee that students who attend Mastery Schools Australia will make significant learning progress with regular attendance.

“The entire structure of Mastery Schools Australia is designed to maximise learning.

“We are employing the best teachers to use the best programs and approaches in an environment free from distractions and full of support.”