Geraldton Flexible Learning Centre’s new principal focused on giving new opportunities to young people

The new principal of Geraldton’s Flexible Learning Centre says she has been given a “blank canvas” as she looks to empower both students and staff. Lynette English moved to Geraldton last month from Cambodia after being the principal of the Australian International School Phnom Penh for the past two years. She has 20 years of experience in education, including work in the Northern Territory. Ms English said her background had her well-prepared to take on the role as principal of the Geraldton Flexible Learning Centre. “In Katherine, we had two different sets of flexi-learning, which was very similar to what we do here,” she said. “No two schools are ever the same and you need the mindset of serving the young people’s best interest.” Ms English said she was passionate about providing education for First Nations people and had a Master of Educational Leadership, with a focus on Indigenous leadership. Flexi schools operate differently to conventional schools, targeting those who have disengaged from mainstream education. According to Ms English, students have a curriculum which is personalised to them, focusing on four pillars of education: conventional learning, physical education, social development and artistic development. She said it was a different way of educating but has found children react positively to flexi-learning. “Education is designed to open minds, but we tell them what goes into their mind in mainstream learning,” Ms English said. “We use an inquiry based approach to learning which is really fit for purpose. “It becomes a lot more personalised and a lot more relevant to that individual’s needs at that point.” Ms English said she was looking to get the most out of her students and staff. “My aim is to increase opportunities for not only for the young people, the teachers and youth workers here now but to grow the opportunity for other people who would get value from what we have to offer,” she said. “With our new fit-for-purpose building that we’re going to move into, that will allow us to provide better, more relevant opportunities.” The learning centre works with the local TAFE, PCYC and members of the community to help deliver its programs. They include outdoor camps, music programs, job ready programs exploring pathways post-school and experiences exploring First Nations history.