Helping children soar
THE Cottage School is a unique, small, independent, secular, community primary school providing education from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 6.
The school’s mission is to create a better future by pioneering a curriculum that educates, inspires and nurtures the whole child to create aware, engaged, curious and compassionate people.
They are committed to improving social fabrics by building resourceful, resilient and compassionate leaders.
The way they live this resolve with such integrity is what makes this school different. Since its inception in 1975, the school has grown to consist of three neighbouring cottages, a green space, exciting new play equipment, enclosed play area with loose parts and vegetable garden, with an enrolment of about 90 children.
The school buildings provide a cottage environment that reflects the ethos of the school. Through the provision of small class sizes, led by experienced class teachers and supported by specialists in a range of fields such as health and physical education, information communication technology, drama, music, languages, orthography and environmental science, plus passionate, highly skilled teacher assistants, the students enjoy a rigorous but noncompetitive learning environment.
The caring environment encourages and inspires students and promotes their natural spontaneity, curiosity and love of learning.
Students acquire the necessary skills to become capable, independent and confident learners in a meaningful context. Students are supported to develop sound emotional and social understandings and skills.
With adventurous independent and social play in the outdoors, exploring and taking risks are encouraged with support for children to make wise decisions in relation to managing their own safety.
Students engage in the Choosing Program through which they can develop resilience and problem solving skills while pursuing their own interests. They engage with the environment regularly each term through Environment Days, Bike Days and two- to three-night camps for students Prep-6. Currently there are limited spaces available in the Prep/Littlies class. Littlies focus on building strong relationships with and between the children using a play-based curriculum so that children feel at ease to play and learn in the school setting.
With a ratio of two adults to a maximum of 12 children, children are well nurtured in their first formal year of schooling. The Cottage School is a vibrant, collaboratively managed community, recognised for its teaching and learning excellence, where the spirit of inquiry, exploration and the love of learning enable children to reach their full potential.