More than 20 years ago, we set out to create a more inspiring way to learn for our own children. As it evolved, it became a better way for many, many others.

What’s now known as The Silkwood Way is centred on the student and his or her individual interests and needs.

It’s a way that offers truly personalised learning, made possible with smaller classes, with teachers dedicated to knowing each student well and to helping them see what’s possible for their future.

A way that uses ‘the world as our campus’ by drawing upon the knowledge, experience and wisdom of real-world mentors and learning experiences.

It’s a proven way – and one that inspires us all, students, teacher 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 has a Northern and Southern Gold Coast school bus service.

“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