When people talk about student engagement in education, they often think about schoolwork: listening in class, completing assignments, or answering questions. At Margaret Jurd College (MJC), engagement means much more than that.
For us, engagement is about students feeling safe, supported, and connected. It is about giving young people consistency in their schooling and opportunities to engage in ways that make sense to them.
As an alternative education option in NSW, MJC provides a supportive school environment where wellbeing and learning go hand in hand. With campuses in Shortland and Tuncurry, we create safe and welcoming spaces for young people who have experienced barriers to education.
Connection and Consistency
Many of our students join MJC after traditional classrooms have not worked out. That is why our first focus is on building trust. With predictable routines and clear expectations, we create stability, helping students feel confident about what each day will bring. This consistency makes it easier for them to participate without fear of being judged or left behind.
Safe and Supportive Spaces
We know students learn best when they feel respected and valued. That is why trauma-informed education is embedded across the school. Whether it is in a classroom or an elective, the goal is to create safe spaces where young people can learn, ask questions, and try new things without pressure.
Student Engagement Beyond the Classroom
Academic learning is important, with pathways through RoSA and HSC (Non-ATAR), but at MJC, engagement goes far beyond the desk. At our Tuncurry School, students are also supported through Lifeskills programs where needed, ensuring learning is practical and accessible.
A wide range of electives encourage creativity, practical skills, and social connection. Some of these include:
- Fishing: Learning patience and enjoying time outdoors.
- Makeup: Practising creativity and personal presentation.
- Gaming: Building teamwork and problem-solving skills.
- Cooking: Developing confidence through everyday life skills.
- Music: Expressing themselves and exploring music in creative ways
- Arts and Crafts: Taking pride in making something unique by hand.
These electives are not extras. They are an essential part of how we help students feel engaged, connected, and motivated to learn.
The Jurd Way in Practice
At the centre of everything we do is The Jurd Way, our unique approach that puts wellbeing first. The Jurd Way recognises that young people can only engage in learning when their social and emotional needs are supported.
It is about respect, patience, and genuine care. It means we look at each student as a whole person, not just a learner. With the Jurd Way guiding us, engagement is not measured only by grades. It is seen in the student who feels comfortable enough to share their opinion, the one who joins a new elective, or the one who attends regularly after years of school refusal.
What Student Engagement Really Means at MJC
At Margaret Jurd College, student engagement is more than academic participation. It is about creating a place where students feel welcome, supported, and encouraged to take part in ways that matter to them. With consistent routines, safe spaces, practical electives, and the Jurd Way shaping every decision, MJC helps young people reconnect with education on their own terms.
Take our ‘is MJC right for you’ quiz
The quiz is a simple way to explore whether our approach to learning and wellbeing could be a good fit. It only takes a minute, and might help you take the first step. You can take the quiz here: https://mjc.nsw.edu.au/mjc-quiz/
Frequently Asked Questions about Student Engagement at MJC
1. What does engagement mean at Margaret Jurd College?
Engagement at MJC means more than academic participation. It is about students feeling safe, supported, and connected, with opportunities to learn both inside and outside the classroom.
2. What is The Jurd Way?
The Jurd Way is MJC’s wellbeing-first approach to education. It ensures social and emotional needs are met so that students can engage with learning in a meaningful way.
3. What electives are available at MJC?
Electives include fishing, makeup, gaming, cooking, music, and arts and crafts. These activities help students build practical skills, creativity, and confidence.
4. Does MJC offer RoSA and HSC pathways?
Yes. Students can work towards the RoSA and HSC (Non-ATAR) pathways, with Lifeskills programs available where needed in Tuncurry.
5. How is engagement different at MJC compared to traditional schools?
Unlike traditional schools that may focus only on academic outcomes, MJC places equal importance on wellbeing, consistency, and emotional safety. This approach helps students re-engage with education in a way that suits them.