KIDS IN ‘STUDY CIRCLE’ BOOST
MARLY Batchelor is only in Year 2 and wants to study chemistry.
She now has the choice to do that at Townsville’s newest school, Enkindle Village School.
The school is Townsville’s only “democratic school” and works by letting students choose what they want to study.
Brooke Batchelor said she had chosen to send her two daughters – Marly and Paige – to the school because she loved the freedom her kids would have.
“That was really important to me, that they get a choice in what they learn and how they learn,” she said.
“I want them to grow up loving to learn and feeling empowered that if they put their mind to it they can do it, and I feel this way of learning gives them that opportunity.”
Principal Kiri Pearce said it was an “innovative” school, which gave students a choice and voice in their learning.
“We use a process called school circles, so all the students sit with us and we make a circle together, and we discuss any issues or decisions that need to be made, and every one of the students has a voice in those decisions that affect them,” she said.
“I think engagement leads to good outcomes.”
Ms Pearce said the process was already keeping students more engaged.
The school, located at the James Cook University campus, caters for Prep to Year 3 students.
Currently there are 15 stu- dents. The plan is to expand by adding an extra grade each year. Ms Pearce said the school followed the Australian curriculum.
Business development manager Kerrie Hinschen said a community group was formed “a number of years ago” to give people a different choice in education.
“Over the years we have been working to put it together; it has been quite a long process with accreditation boards,” she said.
Enkindle Village School is an independent school and receives State and Federal government funding.
Students, teachers and parents are encouraged to work collaboratively in determining personalised learning plans for each student.
Registered teachers will assess students through observation as well as portfolio work.
Students and teachers will sit together for regular council meetings.
The Australian National Curriculum is used as the basis for education.
No “boss” but clear leadership; mutual respect between adults and children.
No uniforms, use of first names for adults and children. Play-based learning in the 6-9 years group, as well as dynamic learning environments.
The main characteristics associated with autonomous learning are resourcefulness, adaptability, initiative, and persistence.