Join us for Live Learning 17: So you want to start your own school?
Live Learning is Future Anything’s continuing professional development series for educators.
Each month, Future Anything chats with awesome movers, shakers, thinkers and doers from the world of entrepreneurship, education and beyond on topics designed to help build enterprising mindsets in schools.
Have you ever thought about starting your own school? Do you have a passion for education and a vision for what a great school should be? This was the session for you!
On 14 June 2023, Future Anything’s Jen Buchanan spoke with three trailblazers who have successfully started their own schools. We heard about their experiences, challenges, and successes, and they shared insights and tips on everything from developing a strong curriculum to creating a supportive learning environment.
Our guests were Imogen Hunt (Peregrine School, TAS), John Stewart (Living School, NSW) & Brett Wood (Music Industry College, QLD).
Even if you’re not considering starting your own school (just yet!), there were some fascinating insights relevant to every educator in every classroom.
MEET OUR GUESTS
- Imogen Hunt first opened Peregrine school in Tasmania in 2000 with only 14 students. Since then the school has grown to 120 students from K-10, with the young people spending their days with a team of adults who, over time become their mentors and role models. The school operates on a first name basis and children benefit from the continuity of belonging to one whole group with the same small group of teachers throughout their schooling.
- John Stewart opened the Living School in Lismore in 2020 – a progressive school with a focus on building a love of learning. Opening in 2020 with 78 students the school has quickly grown to more than 240 students in years K-11.The unique curriculum design integrates six KeyStones – identity, nature, life & living, civilisation, phenomena and service. Service is the culmination of each year. In 2022 The Living Academy opened as an extension of the Living School’s current secondary program offering an additional Year 13 for senior high school students.
- Brett Wood opened Music Industry College in 2008 in Brisbane with 26 students in two rented rooms in the Fortitude Valley PCYC. Since then the college has grown to 90 students in a purpose built, state of the art facility with an impressive line-up of alumni including Thelma Plum, Sahara Beck, JOY., Asha Jefferies, and, Creed Tha Kid. Music Industry College delivers an innovative educational program that empowers young people to succeed in the music industry and life.
To keep up to date with future Live Learning sessions or to receive our regular Bending the Future e-newsletter which is packed full of useful info and ideas to help build entrepreneurship in schools, join our mailing list here.
