
Currambena Primary
Our small class sizes and high teacher to student ratios enable us to work with each student to develop a challenging and inspiring program while providing freedom of choice that builds a deep and lasting love of learning.
“….learning in a co-operative environment in which decision-making and authority are shared.”
(David Cohen, Currambena founder and friend)
We are a democratic school based on the North Shore of Sydney that offers truly child-centred education for both pre and primary school children. Established over 50 years ago, we have long been recognised as a leader in innovative educational thinking. At Currambena we deliver a holistic approach to learning, with the help of a flexible curriculum, which focuses on developing a child’s skills for life as well as high academic standards.
Our small class sizes and high teacher to student ratios enable us to work with each student to develop a challenging and inspiring program while providing freedom of choice that builds a deep and lasting love of learning.
Our main focus in Preschool is on building relationships with children and families within the Currambena community. We believe that play is an essential tool that encourages the children to learn.
In a world where bullying in schools is a well documented problem, Currambena has a different approach. We actively teach children the skills, strategies and language to resolve conflict effectively.
Currambena functions as a cooperative venture of parents, teachers and children. Parent's support and energy enhance the life of the school in many ways.
At Currambena all decisions that affect the school are made at class, school and council meetings. Each student, parent and staff member has an equal vote and together we share the responsibility for the quality of life at the school, building children’s understanding, pride and ownership of their environment.
Working at Currambena is a unique experience. Some of the teachers and staff have been working here for well over ten years. While we do follow the curriculum, our approach to learning caters to the individual children's needs and interests. We believe that learning happens everywhere and all the time, not just sitting at a desk in a classroom. We work, create, play, bushwalk, swim, talk, listen, learn to negotiate, communicate effectively and resolve conflicts as they arise. Living skills are incorporated into day to day activities.
The school is run democratically; we do not have a principal, and decisions about the running of the school are made at class and school meetings, where children, teachers and parents have an equal voice. Teachers meet once a week and School Council members meet once a month.
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, the Cammeraygal people, and pay respect to elders past, present and emerging, and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.