Gracey is 12 years old and beginning her secondary education at an independent school in Melbourne. Gracey has been a member of the school since she began her education back in prep and already had a strong connection socially and culturally moving into Year 7.

Bernie’s education story is vastly different from that of most young people, although her experience in the middle years is a common one. She is 17 and currently in Year 12 completing the Vocational Major.

Aleena is a 16-year-old currently attending the senior campus of a government multi-campus P – 12 school. She has an older sister who was successful at school and there was an expectation that she would be like her and finish school with an eye on a good job.

Brodie is an articulate 14-year-old currently in Year 9. He attends his local high school in the northern suburbs of Melbourne with a student population of over 1400.