In our interview with Adele Gott, we explore her journey from a New Zealand farm to Yiramalay's transformative education model. Adele has 30 years experience working in education around the world. Over the years she’s developed her own leadership style. She prefers to work quietly behind the scenes, supporting others to achieve success. When Adele discovered Yiramalay and its unique approach to education in Australia’s Kimberley region, she knew she had to be a part of the adventure. The opportunity to work with an authentic curriculum co-constructed with the local Bunuba people, focusing on culture, language, and individualised learning was something she couldn’t resist. Unlike traditional models, Yiramalay focuses on students' strengths, needs, and interests, cultivating essential soft skills crucial for real-world success. A big part of what drew her to Yiramalay was the opportunity to unlearn many parts of the traditional school system she came from.
Adele is a mum to three kids, one who has specific learning difficulties. He inspires her every day to think outside the box when it comes to education. The traditional model didn’t work for him, as it doesn’t for many others. She acknowledges that breaking away from old, ineffective systems is challenging, but also exciting.
Her goal at Yiramalay? To become redundant, making way for a Bunuba principal to take over her role.
In our Q&A with Adele, she discusses the essence of Yiramalay's groundbreaking approach to education, the importance of relationships, "on-country" learning, and a learner-centric assessment approach.
Q&A with Adele Gott of Yiramalay
What makes Studio School of Australia’s learning model unique?
Adele: Our curriculum is truly special because it's designed around four interconnected circles. The outer circle centres on language, culture, and belonging, co-constructed in collaboration with the Bunuba Indigenous people. The other three circles focus on academic learning, personal and social learning, and industry learning. These circles are all equal and equally weighted, with the learner at the centre, representing a student-centred approach.
Traditional models often prioritise standardised content and testing. At Yiramalay, we focus on students' strengths, needs, and interests. We believe in teaching essential soft skills like critical thinking and collaboration, which are crucial for success in the real world. Our curriculum is dynamic, allowing students to learn through real-life projects and experiences.
We apply a family model at Yiramalay. We don’t try to put kids into square boxes where they have to sit still and be quiet and put their hand up to speak. That’s not what happens in a family, and it’s not what happens here. As teachers, it’s our job to inspire curiosity, but never to stifle creativity or expression.
Can you share more about the role of relationships in your educational approach?
Adele: Relationships are at the heart of everything we do. We believe in the power of strong, deep relationships. Our students and staff work together to build mutual respect, trust, and belief in each other. We see everyone as both learners and teachers, which fosters a collaborative and supportive environment.
Our students' relationships with their culture, Country, and each other are equally vital. Being on-country is integral to our approach. It's where our students feel happy and safe, and it serves as our classroom. Learning becomes an immersive experience, and our students teach us about the significance of Country and its role in their lives.
“There's a real mindset that everyone's a teacher and everyone's a learner at Yiramalay. The students teach us. You can't rush it. We grow deep relationships and form mutual respect and trust in each other.”
Could you explain the concept of "on-country" learning and why it matters at Yiramalay?
Adele: On-country learning is central to Yiramalay’s philosophy. It means going beyond the traditional classroom setting and taking students into the natural environment where they can explore, discover, and learn. Being on-country is about embracing the land, culture, and the interconnectedness of all things. It's where students feel equal, and they become the experts, teaching us valuable lessons.
On-country, students engage in a wide range of activities, from science to art to traditional practices. It's a place where rich learning happens naturally, and students develop a profound connection to their surroundings. It's not just about gaining knowledge; it's about personal growth, self-discovery, and understanding our role in the world.
"You go on your first fishing trip and I hear, ‘Stop, miss, stop!’ And I'm like, ‘What for?!’ And the students have seen a goanna and they're off, you know, 100 miles an hour into the bush, stoning the goanna and so proud they've got it and cooking it up. How rich is that learning? You can't assess it in any way, but you can assess it through those soft skills, the teamwork.
The collaboration they had to have to be able to capture that goanna and then to be able to come back and cook it together; strategically planning how to get it and who moves and where you go. That’s where the rich learning happens, definitely."
Can you explain how you assess students' progress and what success means in your context?
Adele: Our approach to assessment is learner-centred and aligned with each student's goals and needs. We move away from traditional standardised tests and focus on assessing skills and knowledge that matter to the individual. Whether it's gaining a driver's licence, developing financial literacy, or critical thinking, we tailor assessments to match each student.
Success at Yiramalay isn't about grades or certificates. It's about achieving personal goals, gaining essential life skills, and being prepared for the workforce. Success might mean graduating, but it can also mean acquiring practical skills and being proud of your achievements. We continuously engage with students to understand their definitions of success and help them reach their full potential, whatever that looks like for them.
What are some of the challenges of this learning model?
Adele: Student engagement is a continuous journey. We keep students engaged by making learning relevant and meaningful to their lives. We emphasise choice and personalisation in their education. When students have a say in what they learn and how they learn it, they’re more likely to be engaged and invested in their education.
”There's a group of students fixing the bikes today. So how can we use our knowledge of education to be able to assess the skills they're learning through that? Those are the challenges because it's certainly not in a textbook and it's not a core test that we'd sit in front of the students. That's not what we're about. We look at what the students can do and where they're driving their learning.”
Additionally, our strong relationships play a significant role in maintaining student engagement. Our staff understands students' unique backgrounds, strengths, and challenges, allowing us to provide tailored support when needed. Being on-country and involving students in decision-making also keeps them connected and engaged.
Yiramalay’s approach seems to have a profound impact on the local community. How does the community benefit from the school, and vice versa?
Adele: We have a reciprocal relationship with the local Bunuba community. We work together to co-construct the curriculum, ensuring it reflects the culture, language, and aspirations of the community. This collaboration strengthens cultural identity and pride among our students.
The school also plays a vital role in the community by fostering intergenerational connections. Elders share their knowledge and stories with students, passing down invaluable cultural education. In return, students bring fresh perspectives and energy to the community. It's a beautiful exchange of wisdom and vitality that benefits everyone involved.
What do you see as the future of education, and how can other schools learn from Yiramalay?
Adele: The future of education, in my view, is about embracing diversity and personalisation. It's about moving away from one-size-fits-all models and recognising that each learner is unique. Education should be flexible, adapting to students' individual needs and goals.
Other schools can learn from Yiramalay by placing students at the centre of their educational journey. They should engage with local communities, respect diverse cultures, and create a sense of belonging. Building strong relationships and emphasising real-world experiences can make learning more relevant and meaningful.