The Shoalhaven River College, three terms in, is already achieving great things.
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The college opened its doors earlier this year and the signs for students, staff and the community are positive.
Many students who have difficulties at a larger mainstream school are excelling in this smaller education model.
The River College is a registered non-government school accredited to deliver the NSW School Curriculum and operates under the auspices of Kiama Community College Incorporated.
Its small class sizes mean each student can have their individual learning needs taken into account.
They have a full complement of 30 years nine and year 10 students enrolled.
The school's first three terms have been highly successful.
Both the students and the school itself have made real gains, according to principal Trish Ikin.
Ms Ikin added even their approach to the students' report was different.
"We did our first semester reports which were very successful. The families and the students were happy to have a report because some kids have not been going to school for such a long time and have not really had a report," Ms Ikin said.
Building on students' strengths is on the main aims of the reports.
"I think it was important to demonstrate in the reports to the families that we have close connections with the students in regards to where they are at with their progress," she said.
"To me, a report can be a celebration and also a to-do list, but should be an accurate reflection on where a student is at."
Ms Ikin said they sat down and went through the reports with each student.
The principal added the students were happy to be at the school.
"The students are very appreciative of this opportunity because some of them spent a couple of years struggling at school," she said.
"They recognise the advantages of being here and are happy they will be able to complete their high school career with us."
She added the personalised approach was a key to their success.
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The college, located at 1 Matties Way, Bomaderry, just got accredited to take a year 11 class next year and will be able to enrol 15 year 11 students.
Some of the year 11 students are at the school now and they are currently taking enrolments for potential year 11 students in 2020.
Ms Ikin is confident they won't have any trouble filling its year 11 class.
Some children could not settle into a smaller space and have returned to their previous school, but apart from that things have been going well.
"The families have been really supportive, engaged and grateful. We get lots of feedback from emails and texts and from them coming in to talk to us," Ms Ikin said.
Ms Ikin said more community members were learning about the school and asking about enrollments.
The students are not disadvantaged by being at the River College.
"We offer everything a regular school offers," Ms Ikin said.
The River College will soon host its first graduation party of year 10 students, are in the process of developing an indigenous education policy and will be planning an inaugural whole school major excursion.
Eight of the 30 students come from an indigenous background.
The staff have noticed the students are now more inspired and confident since they been at River College and making plans for the future.
"They are engaging in their whole life," Ms Ikin said.
Trust has been built up between students and their educators, according to the principal.
For more information email info@shoalhavenrivercollege.org.au or call 4423 0351.