The Y School recently celebrated the expansion of its Mirrabooka campus, significantly enhancing the school's capacity to provide educational support to at-risk West Australian (WA) youth.
The Y School can now accommodate 50 more young people who are seeking an alternative to mainstream education.
The expanded campus features a multi-purpose space designed to foster high-impact instruction, personalised support, and effective pathway planning. This new environment promotes a collaborative culture and community engagement, ensuring every student feels valued and motivated.
Y School Principal Liz Parker, who has over 20 years' experience working with at-risk youth, leading programs and alternative schools, said, “we recognise that knowledge, connection and belonging are central to the educational success of our young people. It’s vital that we nurture relationships with these students so we can help them map their future pathways and build and strengthen their individual characters, so they can flourish as positive members of their communities.”
The team at the Y School have a vast level of industry expertise including knowledge of a variety of subject areas and varied pathways, experience as learning support coordinators, teachers and youth workers, additional qualifications such as psychology degrees, and experience in cultural support, LGBTIQ+ awareness and differentiation to support those who are neurodiverse.
Ms. Parker emphasised that the expansion goes beyond just a physical upgrade, “with this new space, we’re not just expanding our facilities; we’re expanding our ability to offer individualised support and opportunities for all students.”
Success stories from Y School include students presenting at a National Youth Summit in Parliament House, Canberra, and others joining programs like the Kokoda Leadership and Development Program. Additionally, students have secured positions with the Australian Defence Force, the WA Police Academy, and pursued other unique learning opportunities.
Liz also noted that many former students have gone on to gain full-time employment, apprenticeships, and further training. This year, for the first time, students can apply for university through the UniPrep course offered in partnership with Edith Cowan University.
Y WA CEO Dr. Tim McDonald highlighted the importance of such initiatives: “At the Y, we believe that a strong education is fundamental to young people flourishing in body, mind, and spirit. Schools like this, which offer alternative methodologies, are vital in helping these young people reach their full potential.”
With the expansion, Y School reaffirms its commitment to providing enhanced educational opportunities for a growing number of students. Almost 100 young people are currently enrolled, with this number expected to rise.