Visual Arts/STEM/ literacy/ Nature play with natural, sustainable, real authentic tools and materials.  

We make a point of listening to children's theories and giving them the opportunity to test their hypotheses because we believe that's the way they learn.  

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We draw our inspiration from the preschools of Reggio Emilia and the Forest schools of Denmark.  These schools are world famous for providing children with the very best in childcare and education through the expressive arts and outdoor work.  Our program also  supports the Early Years Learning Framework and embodies it’s central idea of 'belonging, being and becoming'. Our Kindergarten program informed and underpinned by the Queensland Kindergarten learning framework. 

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Australia is a nation defined by its outdoor environments. However, research reveals that one in ten Aussie kids, play outside once a week or less. The landscape of childhood has changed. In a single generation we have seen a profound shift from outdoor play to indoor play. (Climbing trees: getting Aussie kids back outside- Planet Ark 2011). At Woombye we are adopting a more nature-based approach to our practice, a integrated approach, a naturalistic philosophy that touches every aspect of children's experiences - a place that incorporates community, naturalistic indoor space and playground as well as access to wild nature. We offer  Bush Kinda Tuesdays, walking locally to Hill Street where on beautiful 6 acres  the children climb trees, make shelters and huts, work with real tools, create nature art and work with their imaginations.  

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Children develop their own theories so they can make sense of the world and they explore these theories with their friends.  At Woombye we listen to their ideas and take them seriously and we help facilitate their research.  The work tends to turn into long-term projects which we support over many months, deepening their learning and provoking new ideas.  We give the children lots of time to think and reflect on their learning and plan the next steps.  The children access our art studio where our artist in in resident supports and deepens their investigations. 

 

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