Philosophy and Aims

Grow Slow – Grow Strong

The Rainforest School grew from our conviction that young children need time for play. Our school motto is “Grow slow, grow strong”. We value childhood as a precious gift that is bestowed on us for such a brief time in our life. A child’s imagination is so powerful, that while engaged in play, they can experience feats far beyond their capabilities. The Rainforest School offers students an educational program and school routine that allocates time for play-based learning and unstructured play in the outdoors.

Our Teaching Methodology

Our teaching methodology is a balanced mix of hands-on, real-life and explicitly taught lessons. We strive for our students to become creative, innovative and resourceful individuals who can draw on their knowledge and experience to solve problems. The classroom layout is designed to support our teaching practice and promote independent learning with many learning spaces for our students to use. Our flagship kitchen/garden program provides students with real-life skills and daily nutritious vegetarian meals. Our whole school reading program gives students access to the essentials of effective, evidence-based reading instruction matched to their level of reading development. Learning is a life long continuum and we strive to assist each student on their learning journey.

Our Unique Culture

The school house is a home-away-from-home, with consideration given to beauty, simplicity and the use of natural materials in a well prepared classroom. We encourage intrinsic motivation so that our learners can reach their full potential. Fostering authentic relationships and the use of restorative practice assists our students to build on their social and emotional knowledge. Student wellbeing is a priority at our school as we understand that it is crucial to successful learning. We promote and support a growth mindset and focus on relationship building to instil a sense of belonging. It is this unwritten curriculum that helps to create the unique culture of The Rainforest School.

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