To be read in conjunction with Gumma Place Governance Structure and Responsibilities document

Gumma Place is a trades-based independent Special Assistance School dedicated to supporting young people of high school age re-engage with learning.

Vision:
An innovative and culturally responsive young person-centred learning community, where young people feel heard, valued, supported, and empowered with skills to succeed and thrive, so that they may live the life they choose.

Purpose:
Gumma Place provides a supportive, flexible and inclusive learning environment for young people who need an alternative educational pathway. We are committed to nurturing their growth, wellbeing, and success by delivering hands-on, culturally responsive, and community-connected learning experiences.

Through personalised and individualised support and a focus on real-world skills, we empower young people to build confidence, resilience, and a positive future.

Core

Safety is at the core of Gumma Place; it is woven into every interaction, practice and learning experience. We understand that learning can only happen when young people, feel safe, supported, and secure. Many of our young people come with trauma, disruption, or disconnection from traditional schooling. Safety provides the stability to re-engage in learning. A trauma-informed approach ensures that everyone at Gumma Place feels emotionally and mentally safe, reducing stress and anxiety.

Cultural safety is prioritised at Gumma Place, ensuring that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples feel valued and respected in their identity.

The Gumma Place learning space includes a trades-based facility with industry grade equipment used to build trade skills. This is a safe learning environment based on WHS legislations and safe work practices, We work to maintain physically safe spaces that ensure all young people feel secure, welcomed and included.

By fostering physical, emotional, and cultural safety, we empower people to heal, grow, and build a future where they feel confident and capable.

Values

Gumma Place emphasises four main values: belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity. These values are rooted in Indigenous philosophies and supported by contemporary research and provides a holistic framework for nurturing resilient and capable young individuals.

Belonging: This value underscores the universal human need for connection and acceptance. Gumma Place fosters a sense of belonging so that young people and staff feel valued and connected to each other, and the community. At Gumma Place, we believe that True Belonging doesn’t require changes to who you are, it encourages you to embrace your authentic self.

Mastery: At Gumma Place we encourage the drive for young people to follow their interests and work towards achievement of their personal goals. Gumma Place emphasises self-management, personal growth, and the pursuit of one’s own abilities, rather than competition with others.

Independence: Independence relates to fostering self-discipline, responsibility, autonomy to take charge of their own learning journey. The Gumma Place educational model prioritises independence to encourage young people to make decisions, set goals, and take ownership of their actions. This empowerment leads to self-regulation and self-efficacy and prepares young people to be curious to explore the world, navigate challenges both within and beyond the Gumma Place environment.

Generosity: Gumma Place has grown out of a community-driven youth organisation with a proud ethos of acts of service to our local community. This value benefits our community and enhances young peoples’ self-worth and interconnectedness.

Common Ground

The Gumma Place Common Ground Model provides the foundation for both the curriculum and daily operations of our Special Assistance School. It ensures that learning is not just about academic achievement, but also about personal growth, emotional well-being, and real-world readiness.

This model shapes how we teach, support, and engage with young people; recognising that many have experienced trauma, disconnection, or barriers to mainstream education. By embedding these principles into everything we do, we create a safe, inclusive, and meaningful learning environment.

Centeredness: We prioritise self-regulation, personal readiness, and emotional well-being, recognising that true learning occurs when individuals are ready, willing, and able. Our approach deeply values Culture and Country, ensuring they remain at the heart of everything we do.

Communication: Building and maintaining strong relationships is fundamental to our way of working. We understand that trust and emotional safety are essential for young people to feel grounded and confident in taking new steps. Our staff are trained in Restorative Practice, which informs our communication, policies, and procedures.

Connection: At Gumma Place, we understand that relationships shape our experiences. We honour and respect one another, fostering teamwork, shared problem-solving, and meaningful engagement with peers, the wider community, and industry partners.

Critical and Creative Thinking: We promote innovative and reflective thinking, encouraging young people to challenge norms, embrace ‘disruptive thinking,’ and engage in ‘enterprise learning’ to create forward-thinking solutions.

Character: Self-awareness, self-worth and ethical decision-making are at the core of personal growth. We nurture these qualities to empower individuals in becoming thoughtful, responsible, and resilient members of society.

Our Way

At Gumma Place, Berry Street Education Model, Restorative Practice, and Educational Kinesiology- Brain Gym serve as the overarching frameworks guiding our learning and well-being approaches for connections between head, heart and hands.

Berry Street Education Model: This trauma-informed framework enhances engagement by addressing emotional regulation, relationships, well-being, and engagement in learning. It ensures that all young people receive the support they need to thrive at Gumma Place.

Restorative Practice: This approach focuses on building strong relationships and repairing harm when conflicts arise. By fostering open dialogue, accountability, and mutual respect, we create a culture where young people and staff can learn and grow in a supportive environment.

Educational Kinesiology (Edu-K) Brain Gym® program is a holistic system based on the principles of kinesiology and learning theory, utilising 26 designed movement activities and assists people to reach their peak mental performance. Brain Gym® addresses the physical components of learning-visual, auditory, motor, stress management skills and brings about improvements in many areas such as concentration, memory, reading, writing, organising, listening, physical coordination, attitude and motivation.

By embedding these models into our everyday interactions, we create an environment where people feel heard, valued, and empowered to succeed.

The Gumma Place Model is built upon a foundation of Safety and our core values – Belonging, Mastery, Independence, and Generosity. These principles shape our approach to delivering our Common Ground which informs both our curriculum and daily practices, ensuring learning is holistic, inclusive, and meaningful. Finally, Our Way – guided by Restorative Practice, the Berry Street Education Model and Educational Kinesiology – defines how we interact, communicate, and support one another, fostering a culture of trust, respect, and empowerment. Together, these elements create a cohesive, young person-centred learning environment where everyone can thrive.

To download the Gumma Place Charter click here

To view the Charter for Young People click here