GROWING

A documentary.

“There absolutely were moments when we questioned our path, wondered if we were making the right decisions.”

- Principal

Logline

“Growing" explores the inner workings of Preston High School, a beacon of progressive education in Australia. The documentary delves into the aspirations and dreams of its final year students, comparing and contrasting them with those of Preston High School itself. It's a story of challenge, change, and the potential of education to reshape futures. The central question: has Preston High School delivered on its aspiration to implement a revolutionary model of learning, and has it genuinely helped the soon-to-graduate students?

“I was pretty sceptical at first. We weren't one of those families that were really agitating for a new school in Preston, we just kind of were zoned to Preston, and we didn't know how different it was going to be to other schools.”
- Parent

Synopsis

Growing is a documentary that explores the aspirations of Preston High's final year students as they head into the final few months of high school. Through interviews we learn their perspective on the current state of the world, and the things they would like to see change. The film then goes back in time to explore the origins of Preston High School, looking at the motivations and efforts behind its foundation through interviews, archival footage, and photos.

Central to the documentary is the fundamental question: has Preston High's progressive educational philosophy genuinely benefited its students? Do they feel better equipped and empowered to leave school and bring about the change they want to see? Ultimately, was the immense effort and resources spent to establish a school based on such a model worthwhile? As the narrative unfolds, the film alternates between the students' end-of-year journey and key challenges and successes in the school's evolution. In doing so, it critically examines the school’s foundational Learner Growth ethos, questioning its potential to revolutionise the traditional culture of education.

The film's exploration of Preston's unique approach is complemented by scenes from the vibrant Preston area, showcasing the school's deep connection with its community and its commitment to merging academic learning with real-world experiences. These scenes include captivating footage and soundscapes of public spaces, local landmarks, and the rich local culture, along with touching portraits of community members.

The documentary culminates at Preston High's end-of-year party, where students, staff, and parents come together to reflect on their journeys. Students share their final takeaways on their educational journey and their  aspirations for the future, while staff and parents discuss the school's transformation from an idea into a respected educational institution. This powerful conclusion seeks to answer the documentary's central question, with the characters evaluating the impact and potential legacy of Preston High's innovative educational approach.

  • Founder

    It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.

  • Design Director

    It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.

  • Sustainability Director

    It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.

  • Item description

“I could see they weren’t onboard from the get-go, but we’ve learnt to be patient with new families. We believe in our approach and have seen again and again how good it is for students. But it’s not for everyone, we get that as well.”
- Teacher

Target Audience

This documentary speaks to a broad spectrum of audiences:
- Educators and academics keen on innovative teaching methods.

- Students and parents navigating the high school experience.

- Policy makers and advocates for educational reform.

- Local community members and residents.

- General viewers fascinated by stories of personal growth.

Unique Selling Points

This documentary speaks to a broad spectrum of audiences:
- Educators and academics keen on innovative teaching methods.

- Students and parents navigating the high school experience.

- Policy makers and advocates for educational reform.

- Local community members and residents.

- General viewers fascinated by stories of personal growth.

At the end of the day we believed in our students, in their potential for growth, and in the need for a different kind of learning. And that belief carried us through those challenges."
- Principal

Conclusion

"Growing" is a conversation starter about the future of education. It's a journey into the heart of a school that dares to be different and the students whose lives it has impacted. It is a narrative that promises to resonate with a wide array of audiences, and a documentary that could redefine perspectives on learning and the culture of education.