Learning Model

Project-based Learning

You’re probably amazing at something. Maybe you don’t know what that is.

We help you discover that through our project-based learning.

You’ll choose one Group Project per term, diving deep with a community of like-minded learners. Each project is based around one of five Learning Themes, and we’ve got a way to convert that learning into SACE points.

You’ll also undertake a guided Personal Project, where you get to shine your focus on something that you’re passionate about. You might know what that is. You might not, but if so, we’ll help you find your spark. We also offer Personal Project Pathways, that include steps into employment, university, or even starting up your own business.

Want to know what some of the Group Projects look like? Check out our Sample Projects below.

The letter Y with the texture of an apple pie.

ANIMAL CONNECTION

Do you stop to greet every dog you see? Feel you’ve gotta point out cows when you’re driving in the country? Do you go to a party and find yourself instantly befriending the host’s pet? There are reasons we connect with animals, often more easily than with other people. You’ll regularly head to the Fleurieu Peninsula to meet farm and native animals, exploring the social, emotional, and physical wellbeing benefits of human-animal bonds. Back in the city, you’ll turn those encounters into creative responses and share your story with our community.

Find out more.

ART BEATS LOUD

Embark on an artistic odyssey where your creative voice and experimentation take centre stage. Collaborate with local creators and explore a variety of visual art mediums, techniques and processes of creating. Explore and develop your voice and visions connected to prompts and themes. Along the way, you’ll develop skills essential to the working artist, including concept development, collaboration, and speaking about your work. Explore, create, and contribute to the vibrant canvas of the SALA Festival.

Find out more.

ARTISAN EXCHANGE

Step away from the mass‑produced and into a world of creativity and purpose! In Artisan Exchange, you’ll craft intentional, upcycled woodwork pieces that celebrate individuality and meaningful design. Working alongside the Revamp Revolution project, you’ll share skills, learn new techniques, and breathe life into The Mill’s outdoor communal area – not just by creating new works, but by repairing and restoring existing treasures. Together, we’ll revive, reimagine, and rejuvenate a space where community can gather and belong.

Find out more.

BRIEF’D

Unleash your inner designer! In Brief’d, you’ll tackle real-world challenges by transforming genuine client needs into thoughtful, future-focused design solutions. Through developing design briefs, exploring product concepts, and bringing ideas to life with 3D modelling and prototyping, you’ll learn how creative thinking drives meaningful change. This is your moment to prove that great design doesn’t just solve problems – it shapes a better future.

Find out more.

COMMUNITY CANVAS

Ready to channel your creativity? Join us to transform a blank space into a tapestry of our community’s story. Dive into discovery, hands-on design, and collaborative painting while building real-world skills along the way. No experience? No problem. All you need is an open mind, a willing hand, and a heart ready to create.

Find out more.

ESPRESSO YOURSELF

The time has come to ignite a space where coffee, connection, and creativity collide. Welcome to The Café Project – your mission to build more than just a café, but a hub of warmth, purpose, and endless possibilities. Together, we’ll create a sanctuary for dreamers and doers, where every cup brewed sparks a revolution of ideas and community spirit.

Find out more.

HIGH TEA FOR HOPE

Ready to bring Youth Inc.’s own ‘The Venue’ to life? This project transforms you into the hospitality team – baristas, cooks, wait staff, planners, and event creators – all working together to host a High Tea fundraiser for charity. Along the way, you’ll gain real industry skills, confidence in customer service, and the thrill of running a professional event. Together, we’ll activate The Venue as a hub of learning, community, and impact.

Find out more.

INKED

Step into the world of tattoos with Inked. This project is all about exploring the different cultures and styles of tattooing while honing your creative skills. From developing flash art to running a pop-up tattoo booth, it’s time to make your mark.

Find out more.

MAGIC MODE

How might we use photography to celebrate the magic that reveals itself when we step away from our screens?

This ain’t your typical “phones-are-bad” detox – it’s all about rediscovering the awesome moments that happen when you look up and out! Grab a camera and capture moments of wonder, curiosity, and delight.

Find out more.

MUSIC & ME

Music isn’t just sound, it’s identity, emotion, and connection. Here, you’ll explore how your musical choices and experiences have shaped who you are and how you connect with others. Whether through listening, performing, composing, or other creative responses, you’ll unpack perspectives, experiment with new skills, and share your stories. Together, we’ll turn personal soundtracks into powerful expressions that celebrate individuality and community.

Find out more.

REVAMP REVOLUTION

Got a rebellious spirit and a passion for art and sustainability? Join us in transforming the outdoor area of The Mill into a functional, inviting artsy outdoor community area. Let’s take waste and turn it into something extraordinary, making a lasting impact on our community arts space!

Find out more.

REWILD YOUR WORLD

Picture a city where barren urban spaces are transformed into thriving green oases. Rewilding isn’t just about mending the past – it’s about sowing the seeds of hope for the future. Nature has an incredible capacity to heal herself, but every now and then, she needs a little nudge. That’s where you come in.

SONGSMITHS

Love music and ready to make it your own? This is your chance to dive into songwriting, explore your chosen focus area, whether performance, lyric writing, instrumental, or digital composition and bring your musical ideas to life. Along the way, you’ll collaborate with peers, learn from mentors, and refine your craft. Together, we’ll record and share original works, proving that music is storytelling at its most powerful.

Find out more.

TRASH TALK

Talking trash is no longer dirty – it’s the future! As part of this project, you’ll lead the charge in transforming how we manage waste through the lens of the circular economy. You will drive behavioural change by working with your team, industry experts, and our Youth Inc. people to create a cleaner, greener community.

Find out more.

HOLISTIC WELLBEING

We don’t do toxic positivity here. No one liked having to skulk off to the Counsellor at High School.

Instead, here you get assigned your own Life Navigator, your go-to human for any kind of support you might need, whether that’s housing, Centrelink, personal finances, health & mental health referrals, or even for a Metro card top up.

Plus, Life Navigators attend Group Projects alongside students. Whenever you might need help, they’ll be there.

ENRICHMENT

Enrichment is your chance to try new things, build real-life skills, and connect with people – outside of projects. From one-off workshops to ongoing programs, enrichment is where learning meets life.