An education alternative

With a view of the majestic Corner Inlet and the natural beauty of Wilsons Promontory on their doorstep the site for the new independent Secondary school, Corner Inlet College, can only provide inspiration for prospective students. The natural environment amongst farmlands and on the waterfront will form part of their learning, encouraging students to be environmentally conscious and have a deep respect for Gunai Kurnai, Boon Wurrung and Bunurong Country. This innovative and modern style of schooling is an exciting and thoughtful model of education.

The driving force behind the establishment of CIC (Corner Inlet College) is Jen Young, a talented and experienced educator who has dedicated the past several years to getting this project off the ground. As Founder and Board Chair, Jen Young, brings teaching and principal experience to the new leadership role. Prior to establishing the college, Jen lectured in the university sector, and has worked closely with the next generation of teachers.

Her Masters of Educational Leadership brings teaching methods proven successful across international education systems. She has a sincere and caring commitment to empower students to reach their full potential.

Jen began her own education in an independent school and has been educated and worked in different models of education ever since and understands fully what works and what doesn’t. She sees that education is more than just academics but also about fostering the whole child.

The task of establishing a new secondary school from scratch is not one for the faint hearted. The amount of compliance, structures and hoops that have to be faced are enormous! Jen and other committed individuals have worked extremely hard to face all of the challenges they were presented with from finding a suitable site, obtaining planning permission and preparing the rigorous planning application.

Their preparation was so thorough that they were granted planning permission and were able to answer any concerns raised. The logistics of creating a school from a greenfields site seem mind boggling, especially when being done by a relatively small team (as opposed to government departments full of public servants) but that is what they have achieved, with the expertise of experienced planner, Isley Sutherland, of ‘IS Architecture’.

To those unfamiliar with the concept of this style of school and learning model it may seem unconventional and untried, but this is far from the case. Jen and her team are focussed and well versed in the educational facility they are creating. It has been done before and Village High School, a similar independent school in Ryanston near Wonthaggi, has been operating for several years. They offer a carefully crafted learning environment that challenges the systemic practices that are no longer serving young people, and allows students the freedom and space to experience and practice a range of skills that are critical to them living positive, productive and happy lives. The same ethos is what drives the creation of this new school at Corner Inlet.

What is encouraging is that this is not an “experiment” in learning. Jen herself coming from this model has gone on to have a highly regarded career in her chosen field of education as have others. Naturally some misconceptions exist but it is not going to be an elite facility, with low school fees they are striving to make quality accessible to all. Nor will it be a school for delinquents or troubled youth though they will break down barriers and create opportunities for every learner to thrive.

Equality is at the heart of everything they do. No matter what the students choose to be, a plumber, architect, nurse, ranger, artist or whatever else, the school just wants to be able to provide them with skills to thrive and be the best they can be. It’s an amazing opportunity to be able to offer a different education choice to the students that will enrol next year at CIC.

Enrolments are beginning with years 7 and 8 in 2025 and then progress each year to eventually include VCE by 2029. Jen says that when those VCE students graduate she will be very emotional and it will a milestone moment! Classes will have a maximum of 15 students which means students receive more individualised instruction leading to better understanding and support tailored to their unique needs. While the school will deliver the Victorian Curriculum and VCE it will be in a student-centred focus through a program that aligns education with individual interests.

Much work though continues before classes begin in January 2025 as the infrastructure continues to be put in place. A unique idea of the school is that not every classroom has 4 walls and so while learning will take place inside, through a strong Outdoor education program, students will be immersed in many opportunities provided by the region’s natural environments.

“Dream big” is one of the concepts espoused by Corner Inlet College, something they themselves have definitely done in bringing this new education alternative to the area. They have captured the imagination and support of many people including parents whose children will be among the lucky students beginning their secondary school education there in 2025.

It is an inspirational and aspirational story that will be interesting to watch unfold and grow in the years ahead.