What happens when school works with a young person\u2019s passion and interests instead of against it? In this episode of More Than a Score, we sit down with Dean Brady, former Rip Curl professional surfer and founder of the Noosa Surfing Academy, to explore what\u2019s possible when flexibility, trust, and belief are built into education. Dean shares his experience of a school environment that recognised his commitment to surfing, supported alternative pathways, and allowed him to pursue elite sport without being boxed into a single definition of success. From international competition and sponsorships, to career pivots, setbacks, and eventually building his own business, Dean\u2019s story shows how discipline, resilience, and lived experience shape a meaningful life beyond results. This conversation offers a powerful reframe for parents and young people navigating pressure, passion, and uncertainty, especially those wondering whether school can accommodate a learner with different interests or talents. What You\u2019ll Hear in This Episode: \u2022 How school flexibility helped Dean thrive rather than disengage \u2022 The realities of professional sport \u2014 beyond the highlight reel \u2022 Why identity beyond results matters \u2022 Learning discipline, resilience, and responsibility through lived experience \u2022 Navigating setbacks, transitions, and career pivots \u2022 Turning interests and a passion into purpose \u2014 and eventually, a business \u2022 What parents and schools can do to better support young people with strong interests If you’re a parent supporting a child with clear interests or passions, a young person questioning whether there\u2019s \u201conly one way\u201d to succeed, or an educator rethinking what meaningful support really looks like – this is for you. Because when young people are trusted, supported, and allowed to grow, incredible things can happen. Find out more about Noosa Surfing Academy at https:\/\/www.noosasurfingacademy.com\/.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
What happens when school works with a young person\u2019s passion and interests instead of against it? In this episode of More Than a Score, we sit down with Dean Brady, former Rip Curl professional surfer and founder of the Noosa Surfing Academy, to explore what\u2019s possible when flexibility, trust, and belief are built into education. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"episode_type":"","audio_file":"","podmotor_file_id":"","podmotor_episode_id":"","cover_image":"","cover_image_id":"","duration":"","filesize":"","filesize_raw":"","date_recorded":"","explicit":"","block":"","itunes_episode_number":"","itunes_title":"","itunes_season_number":"","itunes_episode_type":"","_breakdance_hide_in_design_set":false,"_breakdance_tags":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-186839869","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorised"],"yoast_head":"\n