New school in JCU plan

PLANS are under way for a new school with radical teaching philosophies to be built on James Cook University’s Douglas campus.

Enkindle Village School is on track to offer its alternative style of education for Townsville students next year.

The first stage of the school could open in an existing JCU facility in January with 15 enrolments ranging from Prep to Year 2. A purpose- built facility is hoped to be built on the JCU campus by 2024.

A JCU spokesperson would not confirm it had been talking specifically with Enkindle but said the establishment of a school on the Douglas campus was part of the university’s masterplan.

“James Cook University is in discussions with a proponent and is open to the prospect of one or more schools being co- located on the Douglas campus,” the spokesperson said.

Enkindle Village School secretary Amber Clifford said the school would include selfpaced learning for students in multi- age classrooms and would reject the traditional system of reward and punishment for students.

“Instead of being in a class where everybody has to be at the same level, children can move through the different streams at different paces based on their ability,” she said. “There’s a lot of research to show that peers can learn from each other and there’s not as much bullying and competition because they’re not all the exact same age competing with each other.”

Enkindle Village School’s long- term goal is to establish a Prep to Year 12 school in Townsville.

“The teacher is there to guide and direct and to make sure that the children are meeting expectations and covering all points of the Australian curriculum – but it will be at their own pace,” Ms Clifford said.

“Children have a voice and a choice in how they approach the curriculum. They will have some say in how they learn it and structure their day.”

Students will not be required to wear a school uni- form and children will refer to teachers by their first name.

“There’s not really anything like it in North Queensland that specifically has a democratic and child- centred approach,” Ms Clifford said.

“We’re just offering families an alternative to what’s currently available. We’ve had nothing but positive feedback.”

Enkindle Village is in the process of applying for accreditation.

A community fundraiser for the project will be held at the Townsville Blackhawks’ home game at Jack Manski Oval this Saturday.