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About The Nature School

A world where nature and learning create a sustainable future.

- TNS Vision
Our Philosophy Our Values Our Objectives Our Story


Our Philosophy

The Nature School is an educational environment that allows students not only to learn, but connect with nature and engage with their community, creating the opportunity to truly thrive. Our mission is 'A community where children learn and shine through authentic experiences in nature to become engaged global citizens.' Nature based education supports children’s development in social and emotional intelligence, problem-solving and environmental understanding.

The natural environment offers children and young people the chance to learn about themselves and the world around them and builds resilience they can use throughout life. At TNS we take an inquiry-based learning approach, fostering our students abilities to explore the real world around them and learn through doing. All of our teachers share our philosophy and passion for nature based education and encourage students to take calculated risks, make mistakes, persist, think laterally, assess situations from different perspectives and work cooperatively. They regularly take students out of the traditional classroom, facilitating Adventure Days and excursions.

Watch our video to see what we're all about.

Watch our video to see what we're all about.

Our approach to education at The Nature School is informed by the following learning philosophies;

Innovative Education

We de-emphasise textbooks in favour of varied learning resources to facilitate a learner led approach. The low student-to-teacher ratio allows each individual student the space to have their individual needs and learning style met. We have a strong community involvement and work with experts from various fields within the community for students to engage with.

Connection to the Natural Environment

In a world overloaded with virtual distractions, TNS students are given time and space to come down to earth and engage with the natural world. Connection to nature and our environment allows us to teach the importance of our collective eco-footprint and the hope of creating respectful custodianship. Teachers incorporate learning from nature, about nature, or within nature when planning all units of work.

Inquiry Based Learning

Inquiry based learning is facilitated by teachers who pose questions, problems or scenarios, rather than simply presenting established facts or portraying a smooth path to knowledge. As students develop, they become increasingly capable of posing their own questions. Inquiry based learning involves a hands on approach to learning and scientific exploration through both collaborative projects, and individual projects.

Indigenous Learning

TNS seeks to foster authentic relationships with Birpai Elders and focus on local Indigenous knowledge through story, song and Language (Gathang), as appropriate. Ongoing points of connection with our Birpai community include visits from Aunty Ang (Birpai artist) and Arly McInerny (Birpai consultant) as well as occasional visits from Uncle Bill (Birpai Land Council). When possible, Indigenous consultants will be invited to join our learning on Adventure Days at places of cultural significance. Teaching staff also incorporate Acknowledgement of Country into all Adventure Days.

Place-Based Education

We take advantage of the natural beauty of our location on the Mid North Coast by creating immersive learning experiences that engage students with local heritage, cultures, landscapes, opportunities and experiences. We regularly visit local bushland and reserves with a National Parks and Wildlife Ranger, learning about the local natural environment and connecting this with the curriculum.


The Nature School Values

We acknowledge the Birpai people who are the traditional custodians of the land on which we learn and work together at The Nature School. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and commit to build relationships, respect and opportunities for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
<b>Connect</b>

Connect

We value connected learning opportunities, connecting with our community, and connection with nature.

<b>Protect</b>

Protect

We value childhood, protect the rights of children, and advocate for protection of the environment.

<b>Respect</b>

Respect

We value self respect, respect for others, and respect for the natural world.

The Nature School Objectives

The objects of the Association are:

(a) To provide high quality education, care and instruction, guided by pedagogies including nature-based, place-based and inquiry-led.

(b) To facilitate authentic learning experiences which engage children and their families. Learning may be:
i. Intentionally designed and/or learner-led;
ii. Creative, hands on, experiential or play/based.​

(c) To lay the foundations for a socially cohesive and sustainable future. 

(d) To cultivate environments in which children flourish. 

(e) To promote a deeper, more regular connection with nature. 

(f) To minimize the organisation’s environmental footprint through sustainable practices. 

(g) To embed Aboriginal culture, languages and perspectives by connecting with the local Aboriginal community. 

(h) To be a safe and inclusive community. 

(i) To build a network which supports The Nature School to achieve its vision.

Our Story So Far...

The Nature School Inc. was born from the vision and passion of three local environmentalists and educators – Lloyd Godson, Sybil Juzwiak Doyle and Jodie Feeney – who saw a need for children and their families to spend more time in nature. The Nature School Incorporated was founded in March 2015 as a not-for-profit organisation and began with a pilot program for children ages 3-6. The program was inspired by methods employed in Northern European countries that have shown significantly higher levels of social, emotional and academic outcomes. 

The program was well received and took off, expanding into an Early Years program in 2016. The Early Years program saw further success and secured funding from the Hastings Council, which allowed for more equipment and resources to be acquired. TNS continued to develop and grow, eventually establishing The Nature School Primary and opening in 2018 to 21 very excited students. 

TNS Primary has since expanded into a thriving school, all the way from Kindergarten to Year 6, as well as still offering the Early Years program and a popular School Holiday Program. The journey continues, and 2023 will see the opening of The Nature School Secondary, beginning with a Year 7 class. The school has been the subject of many positive media reports and continues to spark interest locally and globally.

The Nature School Port Macquarie

LEARN MORE

- Early Years
- Primary School
- Secondary School
- Little Explorers Playgroup
- School Holiday Program

 ABOUT

- About The School
- The Team
- Policies and Reports
- FAQS
- Media

 GET INVOLVED

- Donate
- Board Members
- Careers
- Contact

CONTACT

  166 The Ruins Way, Port Macquarie NSW 2444
02 6581 5392
info@tns.nsw.edu.au

   

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