History

The story of Mount Isa School of the Air is deeply woven into the history of North West Queensland—much like the remarkable work of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS).
Back in the 1930s, “pedal radios” connected remote families across vast distances, allowing them to seek medical advice and stay in touch with the outside world. These early innovations laid the foundation for something truly special: education without borders.
In 1951, Australia’s first School of the Air opened in Alice Springs. By 1960, Queensland followed suit in Cloncurry—supported by RFDS technicians who kept the radios running and classrooms connected. When the RFDS relocated to Mount Isa in 1964, our school followed, setting up studios in what is now the RFDS Tourist Centre.

Growing with Technology
As communication networks expanded, so did we. In the early 1990s, improved rural telephone services reduced reliance on radio systems, and in 1992 our school moved to its current home in Abel Smith Parade, alongside what is now Spinifex State College.
Recognising the importance of reliable communication, we established our own technical support team in the mid-1990s—ensuring students could always stay “on air” and engaged.
By 2001, more than 230 students from 120 families were learning with us, many living up to 450 kilometres from Mount Isa.

“Mirrors in the Sky”
For many years, lessons were delivered using high-frequency (HF) radio. Signals bounced off the ionosphere—our “mirrors in the sky”—to reach students across the outback.
Classes were organised in geographic “wedges” to encourage three-way communication between teachers and students. Each family received professional-grade radio equipment, built by Codan, ensuring reliable learning from even the most remote homesteads.
With five dedicated studios, teachers broadcast daily lessons from 8:30am, making the most of optimal weather and signal conditions.

From Radio Waves to Phone Lines
In the late 1990s, we began transitioning from radio to telephone-based learning. With support from Telstra, a specialised teleconferencing system was introduced—bringing clearer sound, fewer interruptions, and stronger student connections.
Custom-designed phones and a computer-controlled “bridge” allowed students to dial in, join their classes, and learn together in real time. Teachers managed each session, ensuring respectful, focused, and engaging lessons.
While this system came with higher operating costs, the benefits were enormous: clearer communication, improved concentration, and stronger participation.

Learning Together, Wherever You Are
Today, our classrooms may be virtual, but our values remain the same.
•    Small class sizes (typically 5–10 students)
•    Personalised teacher support
•    Strong communication and on-air etiquette
•    A focus on connection, confidence, and curiosity
Each 45-minute+ lesson is carefully designed to ensure every student is heard, supported, and encouraged to thrive.

A Proud Past, A Bright Future
From pedal radios and “mirrors in the sky” to modern teleconferencing, Mount Isa School of the Air has always embraced innovation in the service of learning.
For generations, we have connected families, communities, and classrooms across the outback—and we continue to do so with pride, passion, and purpose.