Have you ever heard about a ‘Democratic School’, but not sure how a school following this model of education actually works? In this week’s episode of The Parenting Couch, Rachel & Sarah talk to Wendy Pettit from Currambena Primary School in Lane Cove to understand what makes a Democratic Education so special.
Listen to the interview with Wendy Pettit
Democratic Schools promote learning in a cooperative environment in which decision making and authority is shared between students and the teacher. In this interview, Wendy from Currambena Primary School in Lane Cove shares the how the schools run and the benefits of this approach to students.
- What is a ‘democratic school’?
- How is a democratic school different to a more traditional school?
- Does the syllabus follow the NSW Curriculum?
- How does it work with children helping to make the rules?
- Why might some parents hesitant to enrol their child in a Democratic school?
- Is it a fee-paying school?
- How are the students who graduate from Currambena different to other kids?
- What high schools do students typically move onto after finishing Year 6?
Watch a snippet from the interview
Currambena Primary School and Preschool
Currambena Primary School and Preschool is a democratic school based on Sydney’s Lower North Shore that offers truly child-centred, play-based education for both pre and primary school children.
Established in 1969, they have long been recognised as a leader in innovative educational thinking. At Currambena, they deliver a holistic approach to learning which focuses on developing a child’s skills for life as well as high academic standards.
“….learning in a co-operative environment in which decision-making and authority are shared.” – David Cohen, Currambena Founder
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- Currambena Primary School & Preschool
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- Currambena Primary School & Preschool
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- Currambena Primary School & Preschool
LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW ABOUT DEMOCRATIC EDUCATION
About Wendy Pettit, Teacher
Wendy is currently teaching Year 5 & Year 6 at Currambena Primary School.
“I have had the privilege of a very long and varied association with Currambena, as student teacher, teacher, parent, Coordinator and Council member, among other roles over many years. As the school community evolves I delight both in the changes that accommodate different needs and in the essential philosophy, which remains constant. Children at Currambena know they are loved and that makes it a very happy place.”
Wendy holds a BA (Hons Ed), Dip Ed and Diploma in Children’s Literature from University days. More recently she has studied Conflict Resolution and NLP, which she finds very useful adjuncts to her teacher training. She has recently completed a Graduate Diploma of Counselling.
LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW ABOUT DEMOCRATIC EDUCATION
Essential Details: Currambena
- Address: 205 Longueville Road, Lane Cove
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 0417 447 227
- Currambena School website
