The Waves of Change: Why Axing a Surfing Program Is About More Than Just Boards and Beaches
When I first heard about Elanora State High School’s decision to phase out its Cooee GC surfing program, my initial reaction was one of surprise. Not because the program was failing—far from it—but because it seemed to defy logic. Here was a program that had been hailed as innovative, community-driven, and transformative, yet it was being cut. Personally, I think this raises a deeper question: What does it say about our priorities in education when a program that clearly works is dismantled?
The Unique Blend of Surf and Study
What made Cooee GC so fascinating was its ability to merge the unconventional with the academic. Students started their days at 6am, riding waves before diving into textbooks. This wasn’t just about surfing; it was about teaching resilience, discipline, and a love for learning outside the traditional classroom. From my perspective, this program was a testament to the idea that education doesn’t have to be one-size-fits-all. It offered a lifeline to students who might have otherwise felt lost in the rigid structure of conventional schooling.
One thing that immediately stands out is the program’s holistic approach. Students weren’t just earning their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE); they were also gaining practical skills through traineeships, apprenticeships, and community service. What many people don’t realize is that programs like these often become the backbone of local communities. The Cooee kids weren’t just surfers—they were volunteers, advocates, and leaders. Their work in flood clean-up, mental health awareness, and environmental advocacy created ripples of positive change that extended far beyond the school gates.
The Human Cost of the Decision
The emotional toll of this decision is undeniable. Parents like Sharyn Johnstone and Naomi Carter didn’t just see Cooee GC as a program; they saw it as a lifeline for their children. Johnstone’s words, “Why would you shut down something that was doing so well?” echo the sentiment of many. It’s not just about the surfing—it’s about the sense of belonging, the tailored learning, and the opportunities it provided for students who didn’t fit the mold.
Alle Davidson’s story is particularly poignant. Her son, who had been looking forward to joining the program, was left devastated. What this really suggests is that the impact of such decisions goes far beyond logistics. It’s about shattered dreams, lost opportunities, and a community left wondering why something so valuable had to go.
The Broader Implications for Education
If you take a step back and think about it, the axing of Cooee GC is symptomatic of a larger issue in education: the tension between innovation and institutional inertia. The program had received accolades from the Queensland government, yet it was still cut. This raises a provocative question: Are we truly committed to fostering diverse learning pathways, or do we default to what’s easiest to manage?
The education department’s statement about developing a “new alternative pathways program” feels like a bandaid solution. While I appreciate the intent, it’s hard not to be skeptical. Will this new program capture the essence of what made Cooee GC special? Or will it be a watered-down version, stripped of the very elements that made it effective?
A Missed Opportunity?
What’s particularly frustrating is the lack of consultation with the community. Parents like Davidson feel blindsided, and rightfully so. Programs like Cooee GC aren’t just school initiatives—they’re community pillars. Shutting them down without meaningful dialogue feels like a missed opportunity to strengthen ties between the school and the people it serves.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the timing of this decision. At a time when mental health, disengagement, and the need for personalized learning are at the forefront of educational discourse, why eliminate a program that addressed these issues head-on? It’s a paradox that doesn’t sit well with me.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Education?
As we reflect on the end of Cooee GC, it’s important to consider what this means for the future of education. Will we continue to prioritize conformity over creativity? Or will we embrace the kind of innovative programs that give students a real chance to thrive?
Personally, I think the loss of Cooee GC is a wake-up call. It reminds us that education isn’t just about grades and certifications—it’s about nurturing well-rounded individuals who can contribute meaningfully to society. The waves may have stopped for Cooee GC, but the conversation about what we value in education is far from over.
In my opinion, the real tragedy here isn’t just the loss of a surfing program. It’s the loss of a vision—a vision that dared to imagine a different kind of education, one that met students where they were and helped them ride the waves of life with confidence and purpose. Let’s hope that, moving forward, we don’t lose sight of that vision entirely.
