Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Nature School a 'real' school?

Absolutely! We are a fully Registered independent school in NSW. We are held to the same standards and requirements as all schools. We just approach things differently.

Do you have classrooms?

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Yes. We are located at 166 The Ruins Way, Port Macquarie. Our teachers teach both inside the classroom and outdoors, according to the lesson. We even have an outdoor classroom!

Do you have full outdoor days?

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Yes. Students go off site every fortnight. These days involve learning on location, either in natural habitats or in the local community.

What curriculum do you deliver?

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We use the NSW Syllabus documents for the Australian Curriculum, as do almost all schools in NSW. We cover the Key Learning Areas (KLAs) of English, Mathematics, Science and Technology, History and Geography, Creative and Performing Arts, and Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE). As much as possible, we connect curriculum areas into integrated units of learning.

Do students use technology?

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Yes. We have class sets of MacBooks for upper primary students, and iPads for lower primary. Our approach is 'low tech' rather than no-tech. Technology is an important tool for students to master, but we steer away from gamified learning and prefer purposeful use of devices. Screen time is limited!

Do you limit class sizes?

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Yes, which means we often have a wait list for grades. Our maximum preferred class size is 18 students. These small class sizes allow us to do big things in our learning and on our adventures.

Do parents pay fees?

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Yes. We are an independent non-government school. Please contact primaryadmin@tns.nsw.edu.au to request our fee schedule.

Do you have a uniform?

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Yes. All students have the same uniform options, and our uniforms are designed with play and exploration in mind. Our staff even wear similar uniform items when out on Adventure Days.

Is my child ready for The Nature School?

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This applies to the Early Years Program and the School Holidays Program. The Nature School program is very different to a usual child care setting. There are a few things that children need to be comfortable with before joining the program. This ensures the safety of your child, and of others.

Ability to listen and follow instructions

Is independent in toileting

We recommend that children who still need a midday rest to attend the 3hr session initially.

Secondary School

Is TNS Secondary a 'real' high school?

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Absolutely! Our Secondary program is Registered AND Accredited in NSW, ensuring that Year 10 students graduate with their RoSA (Record of School Achievement). We are held to the same rigorous standards and requirements as all schools.

Do you still have full outdoor days?

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Yes, in Years 7 and 8. Field Studies days will be held fortnightly to allow students to demonstrate practical skills, collect data, and conduct research in the field in subjects such as Geography and Science. In Years 9 and 10, students head offsite for elective subjects, including Outdoor Ed activities.

What curriculum do you deliver?

View Answer

We use the NSW Syllabus documents for the Australian Curriculum, as do almost all schools in NSW. We cover the Key Learning Areas (KLAs) of English, Mathematics, Science and Technology, History and Geography (HSIE), Creative and Performing Arts, and Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE). We offer a mix of NESA approved electives, and TNS electives. As our students meet all requirements for the Record of School Achievement they are eligible to receive their RoSA at the end of Year 10.

Do students use technology?

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Yes. Students are provided with an individual MacBook for their use, owned by the School. This is covered in our Secondary School Fees. As in the Primary years we continue to steer away from gamified learning and prefer purposeful use of devices. We are a phone-free school for students and phones must be ‘Away for the Day’ at TNS.

What about electives?

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Students have a choice of exciting electives in Years 9 and 10. We offer both NESA approved electives, which will appear on a student’s RoSA, and TNS electives which are unique to our school. Elective options may change each year depending on student interest and staff availability.

Will students learn a language?

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Yes, all Year 8 students learn AUSLAN (Australian Sign Language) as a subject for 12 months.

What grades do you cater for?

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Our Secondary School caters for students in Years 7-10. At this stage there are no plans to continue into Years 11 and 12. Our students graduate from TNS at the end of Year 10.

What happens after Year 10?

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Our students graduate from TNS at the end of Year 10. Our Beyond 10 program supports students with their next step. Some transition to mainstream schools to complete their HSC and receive an ATAR. Some transition to a nearby school which offers vocational education for Y11 and 12 only. Some transition to TAFE, some begin apprenticeships, and some are ready for the workforce. There are many options!

Are spaces limited?

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Yes, which means we often have a wait list for grades. Our maximum preferred class size in Secondary is 20 students. 

Are there any other fees?

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No! We are committed to a one-fee approach for our families. School fees cover all technology, camps, excursions, resources and stationery. The only additional costs are for school uniforms, and school photos.

Do you have sport?

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As a small school, we have limited options for interschool competitive teams. Instead, all Year 7 and 8 students participate in Adventure Sport – offering them the opportunity to try a range of activities such as rock climbing, surfing, dragon boating and more! We do also have our own TNS Cross Country and Swimming Carnival.

Primary School

Is The Nature School a 'real' school?

Do you have classrooms?

Do you have full outdoor days?

What curriculum do you deliver?

Do students use technology?

Do you limit class sizes?

Do parents pay fees?

Do you have a uniform?

Is my child ready for The Nature School?

Secondary School

Is TNS Secondary a 'real' high school?

Do you still have full outdoor days?

What curriculum do you deliver?

Do students use technology?

What about electives?

Will students learn a language?

What grades do you cater for?

What happens after Year 10?

Are spaces limited?

Are there any other fees?

Do you have sport?

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