Introducing an exciting new initiative in our Junior School

The early teenage years require a specialised approach to education. At Nowra Anglican College we have developed a distinct outlook in what is called the middle years (Years 5 to 8) focussing on developing resilient, confident and active learners.

We are excited to announce a new project for our Year 5 students. As our young people commence this period of “middle schooling”, we are creating an outdoor learning centred approach to assist our students develop their resilience and become resourceful young people.

You may not know that the Nowra Anglican College campus is extensive and includes natural bush and open fields which stretch all the way down to Beinda St in Bomaderry.

In 2025, each Year 5 class will spend one whole day focussing on learning in the outdoors at our classroom and gardening area near the oval.

Students will be immersed in rich learning experiences that have been carefully linked to the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) and the Australian Curriculum. Sustainability and the natural environment are springboards for the explicit teaching of skills in core academic subject areas.

Students in our Nowra Anglican College Junior School have a strong focus on daily numeracy and literacy learning. In addition, and also as part of this focus, students in Year 5 will study the key learning areas with a STEM focus.

Each week, students will spend one day in the NAC Year 5 Outdoor Learning Program and four days on the main campus where they undertake the majority of their specialist classes, such as Physical Education, Art, Dance & Drama, and Music, along with attending the Years 5 to 6 Chapel service.

Why are we doing this?

Many children have significantly different lifestyles to what they were just 1 or 2 generations ago. There are fewer opportunities for outdoor play and or regular contact with nature. A lack of time in busy lives has led to less time to explore, play and learn in the outdoors. Many children’s ability to regulate emotions, socialise or self-direct tasks and to develop greater flexibility and self-awareness have become compromised. (Nature Play, South Australia)

Playing and learning in nature build opportunities for powerful learning. Professor Guy Claxton talks about powerful learning as mind stretching, a disposition that can be learned and fostered. Outdoor and nature-based play spaces provide opportunities for developing a growth mindset through the provision of risk, challenge and engagement with others and the environment.

This new program has been well researched and we believe it will reap immense benefits for our young people.

We need your help!

We are looking for parents to set up a group of gardening volunteers. You may be a gardening guru, or someone with a passion for our environment. We welcome your assistance. Please contact [email protected] if you would like to volunteer.

Mrs Lorrae Sampson
Principal

The Earth is the Lord’s and everything in it. Psalm 24:1