AFSA APPROVED PROVIDER: ENKINDLE VILLAGE SCHOOL
PREP – YEAR 6
Exploring the Forest: Enkindle Village School’s Unique Approach to Learning
Nestled in the lush bushlands of Townsville, North Queensland, on the James Cook University Campus Enkindle Village School offers an inspiring alternative to traditional education. Our philosophy centers on providing students with real-world learning experiences that go beyond the classroom, equipping them with meaningful skills for the future. We love to use nature as our classroom often and curiosity and joy fuel our learning journey. We have been offering our Forest School sessions with Forest School Trained staff members to all of our students since 2021.
An Alternative Education Experience
At Enkindle Village School, we believe that education should be dynamic, rooted in exploration, and reflective of real life. Traditional learning environments can feel limited, so we take an approach that breaks down walls—literally and figuratively. Forest School is where theory meets action, where our students learn through hands-on experiences, nurturing not only academic growth but also practical skills and environmental awareness.
Every child at Enkindle has a 2 hour session each week, from Prep – Year 6, allowing them time to immerse themselves in the wild landscapes that surround us. Our students learn through active exploration, adapting to changing environments, and embracing the unpredictability of the outdoors.
The Heart of Our Outdoor Classroom: Wadda Mooli Creek
Our outdoor learning journey starts at Wadda Mooli Creek, where we have two cherished base camps. This place isn’t just a spot on the map; it’s an extension of our classroom and a vital part of our curriculum. Here, students connect with the environment, discovering native plants, wildlife, and the significance of the land they explore. Wadda Mooli Creek offers a dual base camp system, with both a bush base camp and a rainforest base camp, each providing a unique backdrop for learning experiences. We have had many tree plantings using only seeds that have been collected within a 40km radius of Townsville to ensure we are creating a healthy environment for our local flora and fauna.
The bush base camp allows students to immerse themselves in the rugged beauty of North Queensland’s iconic bushland. Here, they engage in activities like shelter building, tracking, and learning about bush survival skills and indigenous plant knowledge. The rainforest base camp, in contrast, is a world of green canopies and a winding, shady section of the creek where students learn about ecosystems, observe diverse wildlife, and practice mindfulness within the serene surroundings.
Learning Beyond the Classroom Walls
At Forest School, learning is active and student-centered. Students tackle challenges, work in teams, build on their conflict resolution skills and learn responsibility through nature-based projects. They learn the art of building, creating, and adapting—skills that are valuable both in and out of the wilderness. Rain or shine, our sessions go ahead, encouraging resilience and adaptability, traits that are difficult to cultivate within traditional settings.
At Enkindle, embedding Indigenous perspectives in our Forest School program is an integral part of our learning approach. We begin every Forest School session with a class circle where a student reads our Enkindle Acknowledgement to country. Through carefully chosen children’s books and resources, we introduce students to the knowledge and traditions of Indigenous cultures, with a special focus on local flora. Our students are captivated by the process of identifying Indigenous plants, discovering their uses, and learning their traditional names. This hands-on exploration not only deepens their understanding of the natural environment but also fosters respect for the rich cultural heritage that surrounds us.
Some of our students’ favourite activities include:
- Building and Crafting: From constructing shelters to crafting tools, students apply engineering principles, learning the importance of stability, resourcefulness, and creativity.
- Exploring Biodiversity: Observing local flora and fauna fosters respect for ecosystems and introduces concepts in biology, conservation, and sustainable practices.
- Teamwork and Leadership: Through collaborative tasks, students practice communication, compromise, and problem-solving skills that benefit them both in school and in future community roles.
- Mindfulness and Connection: Time in nature nurtures emotional awareness and well-being, helping students build a personal connection with the environment.
Skills for the Future
Forest School at Enkindle prepares students for life by helping them develop both hard and soft skills. While they might be learning how to build a shelter or identify native plants today, they’re also gaining resilience, confidence, and self-sufficiency. This foundation enables our students to thrive in a world that increasingly values creativity, adaptability, and emotional intelligence.
A Community of Learning
At Enkindle Village School, Forest School is more than an outdoor classroom. It’s a community of learners—students and educators alike—working together to discover, grow, and appreciate the natural world. Our students leave each session with muddy boots and soaking wet (when it’s the wet season), full hearts, and valuable skills that will guide them well beyond their school years. Through the forests, creeks, and trails, they gain the kind of education that cannot be contained by walls, an education that prepares them to face the world with courage and curiosity.
