Independent Learning Centre
The Independent Learning Centre (ILC) was established in 2007 as an initiative of the Department for Education to provide young people in Mount Gambier with an opportunity to engage in education in a flexible and supportive learning environment.
The ILC is a co-educational facility, offering learning and career education pathways for senior high school students to attain their SACE and transition from school into meaningful pathways.
Administered by Grant High School, the ILC operates from a central location in Mount Gambier’s CBD.
Information Booklet
Eligibility
Young people are eligible to enrol at the ILC if they:
- are aged between 16 – 21 and in years 10 – 12
- have disengaged from their current learning environment
- experience barriers to learning and engagement, including attendance, mental health, family complexity, behaviour, substance misuse, etc.
Please contact us at the ILC to confirm eligibility and arrange an enrolment meeting.
Enrolment Enquiries are accepted by schools, caregivers, and independent students.
Doing School Differently
Our teaching and learning approach is guided by a trauma-informed and restorative model of practice, with a focus on strengths, personalisation and inclusivity.
Our strength-based approach focuses on the abilities, knowledge and capacities of young people.
Teaching and Learning
Our goal is to create a curriculum that caters to the needs of all students, promotes learning in diverse ways, and empowers students to have a voice in their education.
Curriculum is designed in consultation with students, providing interest-based learning that is community and career focused.
Students gain focused industry pathway development through skills-based learning programs, access to vocational training, and the ability to undertake work experience or employment as part of their learning program.
Curriculum Options
The ILC is a SACE based program, supporting students to achieve their South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).
What is the SACE?
The SACE is an internationally recognised secondary school qualification that equips students with the skills, knowledge, and personal capabilities to successfully move from school to work or further training and study.
To complete the SACE, students have to achieve 200 credits in the two stages, Stage 1 and Stage 2. Each SACE subject attracts 10-20 credits. Some of the credits come from compulsory requirements, and the rest are from the subjects or courses students choose to suit their interests and career goals.
ILC subjects
Compulsory SACE subjects:
Exploring Identities and Futures, English, Math, Activating Identities and Futures
Elective Subjects*:
- Integrated Learning and Community Studies subjects, including:
- Photography
- Health and Recreation
- Work Ready
- Independent Living
- Volunteering
- Art
- Textiles
- Anglers (Fishing)
- Gardening
- Multimedia
- Cooking
- Business Innovation, and more.
*Elective subjects are updated each year according to the needs and interests of young people in our program.
Flexible Industry Pathways
Flexible Industry Pathways (FIPs), formerly known as VET, allow students to undertake Certificate I-III courses in a chosen industry through an approved Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
Community Learning
Students can gain up to 90 Stage 1 credits through recognition of participation in activities that are not formally accredited, or classroom-based.
Examples include:
- Work skills and career development
- Sport and recreational leadership
- Primary caring responsibilities of a child or older adult
- Planning and coordinating community events
- Independent living
Non-Accredited Learning
- White Card
- Industry Immersion
- Work Experience
- Social Emotional Learning
- Literacy and Numeracy Intervention
Contact Us
5 Percy Street
Mount Gambier
(08) 8724 1999