More than 20 years ago, we set out to create a more inspiring and engaging way of learning for children. As our learning design evolved, it became a better way for many students.

The Silkwood Way Learning Design is student-focussed, offering truly personalised learning for every student. This is made possible with smaller classes of 10 (learning support classes) or 18 (year level classes), with dedicated teachers helping students to see what’s possible for their future.

As an accredited Independent School, The Silkwood Way Learning Design is embedded with the Australian Curriculum Standards to ensure students achieve the required level of education, while developing a love of learning. At Silkwood, the difference is the way our students learn. The Silkwood Way draws upon the knowledge, experience and wisdom of real-world mentors and learning experiences while focussing on students' individual needs and interests.

It’s a proven way. Our Year 12 graduates who seek a university pathway receive their placement offers months in advance through a Graduate Portfolio assessment process. The Silkwood Way inspires us all, students, teachers and parents alike, from Prep to Year Twelve.

We invite you to come and experience The Silkwood Way first-hand.

Visit our website or call to book a school tour today. 

The Silkwood Way is attuned with the innovative Big Picture Education Advisory Approach. This approach moves the traditional teacher–student relationship into one of partnership between the Advisor/Teacher, the learner and the family.

This approach provides more time for one-on-one learning conversations and self-discovery in order that personalised learning can flourish.

At Silkwood, our year levels are divided into small learning communities called Advisories. Each Advisory is led by an Advisor/Teacher and has 18 students in it. Students remain with the same Advisory for two to three years Thus, they get to understand and know each other and the Advisor very well.

Students work in their Advisory Group with their Advisor/Teacher as much as possible, thereby forming a strong learning community. Likewise, the Advisor/Teacher has the time to get to know each student well. During these times, the Advisor/Teacher deepens the understanding of each student and the group by:

• Facilitating team building

• Planning Advisory activities with input from the group

• Helping students work on the issues of respect and diversity through activities, discussions, speakers and trips

• Planning trust-building activities

• Helping the Advisory form an identity.

• Setting up rituals and structures to help students succeed

• Tracking student work and learning

• Enriching the Advisory with an array of discovery learning activities

• Giving students a voice and choice in planning and facilitating the Advisory

• Striving to build student leadership and self-management skills.

The Advisory then helps each student manage their time, plan work, find real-world mentors, build on their learning goals, and complete their projects. This way the Advisory becomes a great support system for each student. Indeed, it’s like a family group at school with its own culture and personality.

Students, as part of their commitment to being at Silkwood, are asked to actively participate in becoming respectful, caring and productive members of their Advisory group.

Silkwood School operates four school bus runs servicing the following areas:

• Northern Gold Coast
• Southern Gold Coast
• North-West Gold Coast
• Central Gold Coast

“We love our school and my children love learning. The Personalised Learning Plans and passion projects have had such a positive impact on my children and they come home wanting to learn more. ” 

- Mandy Coates, Parent

“Individualised learning, caring teachers and a beautiful environment. Our kids love going to school - what more could we want. ”

- Amanda Beattie, Parent

“In Year 10 I made a promise to myself, that by the time I graduated from Silkwood, I would have my own business. And I did.”

- WAIMARIE BRAND, SILKWOOD ALUMNI 

“Silkwood is helping me realise my dreams by allowing me to get out into the real world. With the help of my mentor, Cara, I know that I am gaining the skills I need to pursue my passions.”

JOELLA EKERT, 2019 SILKWOOD GRADUATE

“My schooling journey at Silkwood enabled me to see and understand my place in the world and how I could make a positive impact. It stretched my thinking, laid down life skills but most importantly helped me believe in myself. This has had a profound impact on my business and personal life, for which I am very grateful.”

JESINTA FRANKLIN, FOUNDING SILKWOOD STUDENT