As is the case for one in five Australian teenagers, Grace was struggling in mainstream schooling and she thought her only option was to drop out and start working fulltime.
“I probably wouldn’t have graduated high school if I’m being honest,” said Grace. “But then I found The BUSY School.”
The BUSY School is a senior secondary school offering a unique program to support senior high school students at risk of disengaging from school. The school’s goal is to enable students to complete their Queensland Certificate of Education and find a career pathway. In a safe and supportive environment, the program offers academic studies, vocational education and training (VET) and personal development. Founded in 2020 to provide an alternative to traditional education for teenagers at risk of disengaging, there are currently nine campuses throughout Queensland.
At The BUSY School, Grace experienced the benefits of a supportive, inclusive learning environment and a more personalised school and classroom setting.
“My teachers really pushed me to be better and I’m so grateful that they did,” recalls Grace. “It only took them a few weeks to crack me open and really let me come out of my shell which was really good.”
Since graduating, Grace has found work in the security industry – a role she genuinely loves. She has also reconnected with a lot of her passions, including football and family.
“When I think about the future, I feel excited for what’s to come,” she said.
Grace’s advice to other teenagers struggling to complete high school is to remember that dropping out is not the only option. “You shouldn’t let what you’ve been through in the past diminish what you want to accomplish or where you want to go.”
Watch Grace’s story below.
Learn more about The BUSY School.
