Does Urban College have flexible learning options (FLOs)?
Urban College offers a genuinely flexible learning model designed to support young people who may not thrive in a traditional school environment. Flexibility at Urban College is not a one-size-fits-all approach; it is intentionally structured around the individual needs, circumstances, and goals of each student.
What does flexible learning mean at Urban College?
Flexible learning at Urban College refers to a tailored educational approach that adjusts how, when, and where learning takes place. This model recognises that students may face a range of barriers to engagement in their learning, including anxiety, past negative school experiences, health challenges, caring responsibilities, or the need for a more practical, hands-on pathway.
Rather than expecting students to adapt to a rigid system, Urban College adapts the learning environment to better support the student.
Key features of Urban College’s flexible learning options
Individualised timetables
Students may attend on adjusted schedules that better suit their capacity to engage. This can include later start times, reduced days, or a gradual increase in attendance as confidence and routine improve.
Smaller class sizes
Classes are intentionally kept small, allowing teachers to provide personalised support, build strong relationships, and respond quickly to individual learning needs.
Applied and vocational pathways
Urban College offers pathways such as VCE-VM and VET programs, which focus on practical, real-world learning. These pathways are well suited to students who learn best through doing rather than purely academic study.
Flexible assessment methods
Where appropriate, students can demonstrate their learning through a variety of assessment formats, not just traditional exams. This may include projects, practical tasks, workplace learning, or portfolio-based assessments.
Supportive wellbeing framework
Flexible learning is underpinned by strong wellbeing support. Students have access to staff who understand the importance of mental health, emotional regulation, and building resilience alongside academic progress.
Alternative learning environments
Learning may take place across different settings, including classrooms, community spaces, and structured off-site programs. This variety helps students stay engaged and see the relevance of their learning.
Who is flexible learning suited to?
Urban College’s flexible learning options are particularly beneficial for students who:
- Have experienced difficulty maintaining engagement in mainstream schools
- Require a calmer, more supportive learning environment
- Benefit from practical or vocational learning pathways
- Need adjustments due to wellbeing, health, or personal circumstances
- Are seeking a fresh start with education delivered differently
A balanced approach
While learning is flexible, it is also structured and purposeful. Clear expectations, consistent support, and goal-focused planning ensure students continue to progress towards recognised qualifications and positive post-school outcomes.
In summary
Urban College’s flexible learning options are designed to meet students where they are, support them to re-engage with education, and help them build confidence, skills, and pathways for the future. Flexibility is not about lowering expectations; it is about creating the right conditions for students to succeed.
If you would like to understand how flexible learning could work for your child, Urban College encourages families to get in touch to discuss individual circumstances and arrange a campus visit.