Learning

We believe learning is most powerful when it’s connected — to curiosity, to community, and to the natural world. Our programs are designed to nurture the whole child in a supportive, engaging environment.

Philosophy and Aims

We aim to nurture confident, capable learners who are connected to themselves, to others, and to the land. Our classrooms are multi-age, helping students connect across year levels, learn from one another, and grow together. Our approach is grounded in respect, creativity, and a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.

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Grow Steady,
Grow Strong.

Our school motto reflects our belief that childhood should be cherished, not rushed. We value time, for wonder, for growth, for play.

Unstructured outdoor play is a vital part of our school day, allowing students to explore, imagine, and discover at their own pace. It’s through play that children build confidence, creativity, and deep connections with their world.

Students and a teacher building a wooden structure outside.

Teachers and a group of students conducting a science experiment inside.

How We Teach

Our teaching blends hands-on experiences, real-world learning, and explicit instruction. We support students to think critically, act independently, and collaborate meaningfully.

Our learning spaces are designed to support flexible, independent learning.

Our kitchen/garden program gives students practical life skills and nourishing meals.

We integrate subjects around shared themes, exploring topics like ‘beneath our feet’ through Science, Music, English, HASS, and Indigenous perspectives.

We see learning as a lifelong journey, and we guide each student along their own path.

"The Rainforest School has been the making of our daughter, as we have watched her change from feeling scared and lost, to confident and thriving."

Megan & Rodney Scott

Parents

The Culture of Our Classrooms

We design our learning spaces to feel like home — warm, simple, and grounded in natural materials. Learning here is shaped by relationships. We support intrinsic motivation, restorative practices, and emotional wellbeing through daily relaxation, yoga, and meditation built into each day.

Students are encouraged to explore their interests, grow in confidence, and develop a lifelong love of learning. This is the heart of our school culture.

Curriculum Overview

Our curriculum covers the full range of academic learning areas, while weaving in sustainability, creativity, and wellbeing. Expand each section below to explore how we bring each subject to life.

English

At The Rainforest School, English learning is purposeful and engaging. Reading is taught explicitly through the Read Write Inc. program, giving children a strong foundation in phonics. Language and literacy development are woven throughout school life, with students experiencing speaking, listening, reading, viewing, and writing across diverse text styles and subjects.

A teacher educating a student in a classroom.

Mathematics

Mathematics is taught explicitly and systematically, using a clear scope and sequence that aligns with the Australian Curriculum. Students explore Number and Algebra, Measurement and Space, and Statistics and Probability through hands-on and outdoor experiences. Whether measuring ingredients in the kitchen, using nature to explore symmetry and pattern, or counting steps in a hopscotch game, students make real-world connections that deepen understanding and spark curiosity.

Science

Science at The Rainforest School is a dynamic mix of investigation, exploration and discovery. Students engage with Biological Sciences, Earth and Space Sciences, Physical Sciences and Chemical Sciences through experiments, nature-based learning and real-life inquiry. Annual themes bring science concepts into focus through excursions, camps and visiting experts, encouraging students to think critically and ask meaningful questions about the world around them.

Humanities & Social Sciences (HASS)

In HASS, students explore History and Geography across year levels, while Civics and Citizenship, and Economics and Business are introduced in older years. Real-world learning is central, with students connecting with the Djiru people who visit and share knowledge, and participating in camps, excursions and guest sessions. These experiences help students relate past to present from local, national and global perspectives.

Health & Physical Education

Health and wellbeing are embedded into daily life at The Rainforest School through mindfulness, relaxation, yoga, and reflective conversation. The Health curriculum covers personal safety, respectful relationships, and social and emotional learning, encouraging healthy choices and a growth mindset. In Physical Education, we partner with local organisations to offer diverse opportunities including swimming at Mission Beach Aquatic Centre, tennis with qualified coaches, and gymnastics at Tully Gym and Tramp Club.

Technologies

Students engage with Design & Technologies and Digital Technologies in creative, purposeful ways. Technology is used sparingly and intentionally to support learning, not replace it. Students are hands-on problem-solvers who may design nature play areas, construct outdoor kitchens, or grow food for our Kitchen Garden program, building design thinking and real-world capability.

The Arts

Students explore The Arts through rotations in Visual Arts, Media Arts, Dance and Drama, with learning that is expressive, hands-on and collaborative. Each year we invite an Artist in Residence to work with students on major creative projects, and students' artwork is regularly exhibited at the Mission Arts Gallery, giving them the opportunity to share their creativity with the wider community.

Music

Music is a vibrant part of the curriculum where students participate in weekly lessons to listen, respond, create and perform. They learn instruments including ukuleles, guitars, percussion, harmonicas and keyboards, and are supported in writing and performing original songs. Music connects with other learning areas, bringing subjects to life through rhythm, rhyme and shared joy.

Language: Indonesian

All students participate in weekly Indonesian lessons, learning both the language and cultural contexts with a focus on communication, understanding and appreciation of diversity. Language learning is hands-on and experiential through cooking Indonesian food, setting up classroom warungs, and learning through songs, games and storytelling to build vocabulary and grammar while fostering intercultural understanding.

2025 Term Dates

Stay across key dates for the year. Below you’ll find our term schedule, including start and finish dates for each school term.

Term 1

Tuesday 28nd January
–
Friday 4th April
(10 weeks)

Term 2

Tuesday 22nd April
–
Friday 27th June
(10 weeks)

Term 3

Monday 21st July
–
Friday 19th September
(9 weeks)

Term 4

Tuesday 7th October
–
Friday 12th December
(10 weeks)

Upcoming Events

Monday 21st July

Term 3 starts

Friday 26th July (Public Holiday)

Tully Show

Saturday 6th September

Spring Fair

Friday 12th September

Student Free Day

The Kitchen Garden Program

Students learn by growing, cooking, and sharing food. Our kitchen/garden program, currently running three days a week with plans to expand to full-time in the future, builds real-world skills, connects students with sustainability practices, and supports our wellbeing program.

The program links to curriculum areas like Maths, English, and Design Technology, bringing learning to life through hands-on experiences. We serve healthy vegetarian meals made with seasonal, local ingredients, with students involved in every step from soil to shared table.

At The Rainforest School, students don't bring lunch boxes. Meals are shared together as part of the school day, nourishing body and mind while reinforcing connection.

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Teachers and students cooking food outside.

"We love seeing our children thrive at The Rainforest School. It's such a thoughtful education and so full of joy."

Cosima Stokeld

Parent

School Focus Projects

Each year, we explore a range of in-depth projects that connect learning to the world around us. These focus areas help students build knowledge through curiosity, collaboration, and creativity.

Excursions & Incursions

From rainforest walks to community excursions, students regularly explore the world beyond the school gate. We bring the outside in — and take learning out into nature and the community.

A teacher reading a book to students at the beach.

Our Expectations

We believe that learning happens best in a safe, respectful environment. Our approach to behaviour is grounded in restorative practice, not punishment — helping students understand impact and repair relationships.
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We teach social and emotional skills, encourage reflection, and support students in developing a strong sense of belonging and accountability.

Our three school rules are:

Keep yourself and others safe

Respect yourself, others, and the environment

Never stop learning and never stop others from learning