Our approach to teaching and learning
At Amaroo Environmental Education Centre, we believe powerful learning happens when students feel connected, curious and actively engaged with the natural world.
Our approach is grounded in First Nations perspectives, sustainability and wellbeing, and informed by contemporary educational research, outdoor and experiential learning, inquiry, explicit teaching and reflective practice.
While every program is unique, we aim to provide a consistent Amaroo learning experience. Our shared learning architecture helps students connect, think, act and reflect through meaningful experiences with people, place and Country.
Connect deeply
We build relationships—with each other, with Country, with place and with purpose. First Nations perspectives and ways of knowing support respectful relationships with Country and recognise learning as part of a living cultural and environmental context.
Think deeply
We create opportunities to notice, wonder, question, investigate and make meaning. Students encounter real places, real questions and real environmental contexts, supported by purposeful questioning, explicit teaching and rich language.
Act deeply
We encourage students to consider what their learning means for themselves, their communities and the environment. Learning at Amaroo is about developing understanding, confidence and agency to make thoughtful decisions and take meaningful action.
Grounded in
First Nations perspectives | Sustainability | Wellbeing
These are not additional elements of our programs. They are foundational to how we think about learning and are woven through our relationships, teaching, experiences and reflection.
Our approach continues to evolve through professional learning, collaborative inquiry and feedback from schools, students and staff.
Understanding our programs
Our programs create meaningful connections between curriculum, place and student experience. Each program is presented using consistent information to help teachers select an experience that best suits their students and learning goals.
Aim
The overall purpose of the program and the experience we want to create for students.
Big idea
The deeper concept or understanding at the heart of the program. Big ideas are concise, conceptual and thought-provoking, providing a thread that connects students’ experiences and learning.
Student experiences
A snapshot of what students will do, encounter, investigate and experience during their visit.
Venue and duration
Where the program takes place and the approximate time required, including learning experiences and transitions. Our place-based approach means the environment and conditions of each venue contribute to the learning.
Availability
Programs are offered in particular terms based on factors such as seasonal conditions, weather, site suitability, existing bookings, student cohorts and our capacity to deliver programs safely and effectively.
Supervision
The minimum number of adults the visiting school must provide for each class. Ratios are based on a maximum class size of 27 students and are additional to Amaroo staff. Visiting schools are responsible for relevant requirements, including Blue Card and MAST requirements where applicable.
Curriculum links
Programs connect with Australian Curriculum Version 9.0 (AC v9.0) and, where relevant, other curriculum frameworks and QCAA syllabuses. The Sustainability (SUS) and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures (ATSIHC) cross-curriculum priorities are woven through programs where authentic and appropriate.
General Capabilities are also embedded across our programs, with particular capabilities intentionally foregrounded according to the learning experience.