Set to deliver a new class of schooling

A VERY different school is now one step closer to opening in Townsville.

Enkindle Village School announced it had gained accreditation from the Non- State Schools Accreditation Board on Thursday and would open next year.

School secretary Amber Clifford said all independent schools had to go through the same accreditation process.

The “democratic primary school” breaks away from traditional state schools, allowing for self- paced learning in multi- age classrooms.

Enkindle plans to open next year at James Cook University’s Douglas Campus, with one class of 15 students ranging from Prep to Year 3.

Ms Clifford said there had been plenty of interest in the school, which was already add- ing names to a waitlist for future years.

“We have had an overwhelming response from the community regarding enrolments and will be confirming positions for 2019 in the coming weeks,” she said. “Enkindle Village School is based on core values of autonomy, liberty, joy, connection and innovation. By co- locating with JCU, our students will have access to their wold- class facilities, have an ongoing collaboration with the College of Arts, Society and Education and become part the vibrant campus community.

“While there will be some collaboration between the school and JCU in the future, both entities will remain independent of each other.”

The school says it will be the first of its kind in North Queensland, with a “vision that all children have the ability to be capable and freethinking creators of their world when offered a voice and choice in learning”.

The school will cover the Australian curriculum but allow students to do it at their own pace. Students will not have to wear a uniform and will refer to their teacher by their first name.

To find out more about the school, email secretary@townsvilleindependentschool.com.

WE HAVE HAD AN OVERWHELMING RESPONSE FROM THE COMMUNITY REGARDING ENROLMENTS AND WILL BE CONFIRMING POSITIONS FOR 2019 IN THE COMING WEEKS AMBER CLIFFORD