Fifteen years ago, Australia set out to bridge the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. Although the initial pledge focused on various socio-economic factors, education was a crucial component, constituting half of the original commitments. Despite the expansion of Closing the Gap targets to include housing, incarceration, mental health, and self-determination, the significance of education remains steadfast. Over the past decade and a half, the effectiveness of these commitments has been widely criticised, leading to a growing call for community-led solutions. Studio Schools of Australia, particularly its pilot school - Yiramalay Studio School, embodies this shift with its co-designed and co-led approach, actively contributing to closing education gaps in impacted areas.
Yiramalay Studio School's Approach to Remote Education
Yiramalay Studio School, nestled in the heart of the Kimberley region and situated 80 kilometres from the nearest town, operates in what is classified as a 'very remote' environment. Drawing students primarily from Western Australia and the Northern Territory—Australia's two worst-performing jurisdictions for First Nation's student attendance—Yiramalay faces the daunting task of addressing some of the country's lowest attendance rates. A number that only decreases during the 10-to-12-year levels that Yiramalay caters to. Despite these challenges, Yiramalay is making strides, offering a unique on-country model of learning that is co-designed and co-led by First Nations peoples. You can read more about Yiramalay's unique on-country model here.
Delivering positive outcomes
A close examination of Yiramalay's current student cohort reveals a remarkable 78% increase in average class attendance compared to their previous schools. This positive shift is especially noteworthy considering that, on average, students had been absent from any schooling for 1.4 terms before joining Yiramalay. This data demonstrates a tangible transformation—from no schooling for three months to attending three-quarters of all classes. This is evident in the increased in-class attendance for all students at Yiramalay compared to their previous schools. This data highlights that Yiramalay Studio School's unique education model enables Studio Schools of Australia to take the initial steps toward closing education gaps, even in some of Australia's most inequitable environments.
Spotlight on Students:
Chantay (Year 12): A shining example of Yiramalay's success, Chantay boasts a 96% attendance rate and an 82% class attendance since joining Term 2, 2023. Engaged in a Cert II in Leadership and a Cert III in Tourism with North Regional TAFE, Chantay's journey is not just academic; it extends to significant personal development. Chantay's story reflects the transformative power of Yiramalay's on-country model, which includes participating in events like Kimberly Girl and exploring professional opportunities in Broome and Melbourne.
Corbin (Year 10): Corbin's journey is a testament to the impact of Yiramalay's residential on-country model. Despite regular attendance at other schools, Corbin had made limited progress with his numeracy and literacy learning. Early on during his time at Yiramlay, Corbin shared that he likes it here “because people help you”; a recognition of the positive impact of a culturally sensitive, wholistic approach to learning, where students feel safe and seen. Since coming to Yiramalay, Corbin has demonstrated significant growth in both his literacy and numeracy scores, notably his initial English level testing result improved from 7% to 56% in over the semester.
Empowering Futures: Yiramalay Studio School's Impact Beyond Education
Celebrating success stories like Chantay and Corbin, Yiramalay's on-country model goes beyond education—transforming, instilling pride, and building strength for every student involved. In the context of Closing the Gap, Yiramalay Studio School demonstrates that innovative, community-led solutions are crucial for a better educational future for everyone.