Opening pupil's eyes to learning

A few weeks ago, the Daily Telegraph made a visit to Bradfield Senior College to do a story on the school and the "unorthodox approach the school has on education to help kids who feel out of place in the normal school system to discover their strengths and excel". The article was published on Saturday, December 16, 2017 and highlighted many reasons as to why students choose to come to Bradfield. Whether it's lack of uniform, or the education being tailored to their needs, no bells, or knowing your teachers on a first-name basis, there is a common theme among students at Bradfield and that is "they fit in". 

After the article being published and shared on our social media, a Bradfield alumni, Isabella Z, contacted us to let us know what Bradfield Senior College had done for her. Her message was:

Hi!
I saw the post you shared yesterday which was essentially asking why people loved attending Bradfield, I wanted to message a response as t seemed more appropriate then a public comment.

As someone that had failed year 9, 10 and 11 (the first time attempted) and as someone that had been kicked out of three different schools (both public and private), Bradfield to me was one last attempt at school and more importantly, the HSC.

When I first went to Bradfield as a somewhat shallow 17 year old, I was instantly drawn in by the lack of uniform. I didn't have a particular dress style or any such thing at the time, in fact I was incredibly plain; but the whole concept of 'no uniform' was so different and I was amazed. Over the two years I spent at Bradfield, the lack of uniform contributed to my developing into a young adult; I was able to find / create a style unique to myself and discovered a new confidence in my individuality. I never thought something so 'shallow' could make such a big difference. Even to this day, 3 years after graduating, my style and confidence in dress on all occasions remains the same.

The next thing that I discovered over time was the mutual respect teachers and students shared for each other. The lack of discipline and abundance of respect motivated me to take my learning into my own hands and always attempt to excel in every area. I became passionate about learning when I discovered that it was entirely up to me; there was no punishment for not completing homework or for not showing up to class. This way of teaching and these interactions and consequences are almost identical to the realities of life outside school: all young adults should be taught this lesson of responsibility, rather then being forced into the usual preplanned group detentions when they make a mistake.

I also fell in love with Bradfield for the excellent creative departments. There was an incredible amount of openness and support so long as you were passionate and willing to put the hours in. My art teacher, Lise, put so many extra hours into my major work and myself for the sole reason that I too was putting in extra work.

I learned an incredible amount from two short years I spent at Bradfield and I can honestly say they were some of the best years of my life.

There is so much more I can add, but I'll leave it at this:
I failed almost every year of high school and I got kicked out of three different schools along the way. With that aside, I'm currently in my second year of Medical Science at UTS and I plan on starting Medicine in another two years tops. From there I'm aiming to be a surgeon; I haven't decided on a specific field but I know it's my life's calling. I would have never even passed the HSC let alone received decent marks to start this all off, if not for Bradfield

Thank you!

On our social media, the article received a lot of positive attention and met with many students, parents and alumni commenting, sharing and reaching out to us with positive feedback. 

The article is not available online, but pictures of it is posted below for you to read.