Our vision is our living Legacy.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a global leader in international education – developing inquiring, knowledgeable, confident, and caring young people. Our programmes empower school-aged students to take ownership in their own learning and help them develop future-ready skills to make a difference and thrive in a world that changes fast.

The IB Diploma is an academic pathway known and loved by universities around the world.

Find more here: https://ibo.org/

1. be moving into either Year 11 or Year 12 (both can apply for IB1) in NSW
2. be registered and able to study in NSW Australia
3. have correct Visa requirements (if an international application)
4. have a residence or accommodation in the Northern Rivers, so they can access Z Block at SCU, Lismore, daily
5. Have the support of all parents/care-givers
6. Show regular attendance and academic focus – the IBDP is an academic program.
7. Be prepared to study all areas of the DP – the candidate must participate in the CORE areas of TOK, CAS and EE
8. Heed the student Code of Conduct and support Living School’s VAST learning lens and values

Living Academy is for students enrolled in Years 9-13, who cherish learning in a respectful, supportive and small caring environment. The values of Respect, Responsibility, +ve Relationships are required. There is an emphasis on independence and attentiveness – as we respect students for who they are not on who we want them to be. This school is unique and students must be willing/able to enjoy outdoor education, commit to studying areas of interest, empathise and have high EQ.

The school is focused on personal goals, showing grit and resilience so they can take on a challenge, while being able to work in groups productively. This environment in which we learn must be safe.

Parents must support the school – and heed our code of ethical conduct.

The program of Living School is carried through Living Academy.

Six Week Terms – our terms are only six-weeks long so we avoid burnout and manage stress with regular week-long breaks.

KeyStone Themes – each term has a KeyStone theme, repeated throughout the entire school: Identity, Nature, Life and Living, Civilisation, Phenomena, Service.

No Uniform – we trust and respect learners to feel relaxed in who they are and their choices, while taking responsibility to ensure they dress appropriately with others in mind.

First Names – all of our teachers and staff are known by their first name.  This draws us to more respectful relationships and levels out any authority status.  But all students must respect their elders.

Each day, each week:

• Circle Time – gathering together with a guardian teacher.  Attendance roll is taken. Key organisation focus is shared – to ensure everyone has all equipment/resources/awareness required for a successful day’s learning.
• Goal setting – personal programs defined around key SMART goals.
• Selected courses are timetabled so students have a structure to follow but also have flexibility to learn outside of their formal ‘lessons’
• Small tuition style lessons are part of the Living Academy offering – so all learners are ‘seen’ and supported.
• Laptops – students are required to bring their own device
• Nutrition – lunch together at a set time as a group. Everyone eats together – and then play.
• Toddle – we use the Toddle learning platform to ensure all information is accessible and organised.

Yes.

But if y0u are successful in being awarded a scholarship, you forego all expenses that are school-wide based for two years, are covered.  This includes excursions, camps, guest speakers and incursions.  It does not include specific programs that are not whole-year focused – e.g. our Arnhem Land Trip.

We offer very small and personal classes based on a range of IB Diploma courses with experienced teachers.

Every teacher is trained to teach the IB – and participate in regular professional development.

Our teachers are guided by an experienced and creative IB Diploma Coordinator, and an experienced Director of Academy.

Thank you for considering our school – here are some thoughts on why we created this K-13 learning ecosystem.