“Galang nguruindhau" from the foothills of Mt Coot-tha in Meeanjin, home of the Traditional Custodians, the Juggera and Turrbal People.
Forest School at Bardon State School is a unique program within the Primary school setting and we were the first, and are still one of only a few schools, to offer this type of program in Australia.
We deliver weekly two-hour sessions of nature immersion throughout the year for all students in Prep – Year 2, which provide a flexible learning environment that caters to each child's individual needs and interests. Our students enjoy exploring and learning in wild spaces in our local area (Base Town within our school grounds and in and along Ithaca Creek). We began our program in February 2023 with the Prep students and due to resounding parent, student and community feedback, have expanded to include Year 1 and Year 2 since 2024.
Our philosophy strongly embodies the values of the Australian Forest School Association and as such, our program delivers more than just Loose Parts Play or Outdoor Learning: Allowing children to access regular nature experiences enables them to deepen their knowledge of the local environment, create tangible connections to special places and make real-life links to the Australian Curriculum (learning areas, general capabilities and cross-curriculum priorities) whilst honouring their need for uninterrupted play and exploration. As students immerse themselves in nature, through self-initiated experiences, they are encouraged and supported to take risks to build resilience, confidence and self-esteem, which continues into the classroom where they are more able to embrace challenges; cooperate and collaborate; and think critically and creatively to problem solve.
The Bardon State School P-2 team is committed to the development of a high-quality curriculum that promotes excellence and equity in education. Students come from diverse backgrounds, including students with disability, those who are gifted and talented and those for whom English is an additional language or dialect. Our Forest School program incorporates inclusive teaching and learning programs that build on students' interests, strengths, goals and learning needs to support all students to achieve their potential.
We begin each session with an Acknowledgement of Country, and we respectfully embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives throughout our sessions, making connections to the land and the local First Nations People.
At Bardon State School, we are committed to sustainable practices and aim to inspire future generations to love and protect the native flora and fauna of our land. Our environmental strategy encompasses all aspects of our program including the materials we use, consideration of the environment and links with local, National and International bush care and conservation programs (SOWN, Clean Up Australia Day, Jane Goodall's Roots and Shoots and David Attenborough's Schools for Nature programs).
We provide inspiration and support to local schools through membership of 'The PlayMakers' which has recently developed documents outlining 3 pillars (language, thought and wellbeing) and their integral relationship between the Australian curriculum, age-appropriate pedagogies and learning through play.
In an ever-changing world, our students need to develop skills, knowledge, attitudes, values and resilience to succeed. At Bardon State School, our whole school community is committed to “Learning and Growing' through a rich curriculum, a collaborative and dedicated staff, and a focus on learners and learning beyond the set curriculum. We provide opportunities for all as we strive to develop curious and confident learners who embody our school vision of 'Empowering lifelong learning with curiosity and wonder to make our world a better place'.