This local school offers personalised learning from Preschool to Year 6 through diverse experiences, small classes, and experienced teachers.
Curious about why Frensham Junior School is such a hit among local families, we set out to uncover its secrets.
Known for its small class sizes and personalised learning experiences, not to mention its highly qualified teachers, it’s no wonder they’ve been recognised as the leading academic Primary School in the Highlands.
To explore the school some more we were invited behind the gates for a school tour of this stunning bushlands campus.
We snagged an invite for a tour on a sunny day [thankfully, no rain!]. The outdoor areas, from Preschool to Primary, were just full of learning opportunities and we also were lucky enough to see some classes in action, giving us a real taste of what makes this school so special.
Come with us as we take a tour of this awesome school where learning feels more like an adventure.
1 :: A Warm Welcome
We arrived for the tour just in time for recess on a glorious autumn day. There were so many smiling faces making use of all the play equipment and some even came up to say ‘Hello’.
We were also greeted by Lucy Gregory, the Head of Frensham Junior School, who we could tell was beaming with pride about the school and excited to fill us in on all its wonderful features.
And there just happened to be another very special greeter waiting for us, and we’ll admit she had us charmed from the get-go.
Say hello to Iris the school support dog. She plays an important role in the school through education and emotional support, and well…… isn’t she the sweetest???
“Iris has so many jobs in the school,” says Lucy. “Before students can engage with her, they do responsible pet ownership classes where they learn to pat collar to tail and how to approach Iris from the side. They also learn how to demonstrate to a dog that they don’t want to engage.”
We love that idea!
“She also takes part in classroom lessons and listens to students read,” Lucy adds.
And it turns out she’s a great companion for tough times too.
“She’s there to support students when they are having big feelings. Just this morning, a student was feeling anxious about coming to class late. We suggested that Iris go with them, and the student was calm and happy by the time they arrived at class.”
As die-hard dog lovers, we couldn’t help but feel all warm and fuzzy witnessing Frensham Junior School’s unique approach to education and emotional support.
2 :: Outdoor Adventures
Before we’ve even stepped foot in a classroom, we can tell that outdoor learning is a cornerstone of the Frensham Junior School experience. The play areas are expansive and we’re surrounded by gorgeous greenery!
“Getting outdoors is really important at our school,” Lucy explains. “Our veggie garden serves as a hub for learning about planting, growing, and composting.”
Students also use outdoor spaces for experiential learning, performances and poetry slams, with families invited to join.
And there’s the incredible ‘Land for Wildlife’ area that makes the school so unique.
“We’re very proud of it,” Lucy tells us.
And for good reason!
“To be recognised, we had to meet specific criteria, ensuring we provide a safe habitat for native critters like kangaroos, echidnas, possums, and wombats.”
Everyone chips in to maintain the area, from students and staff to families. They collaborate with indigenous community members, who’ve added their touch with native plants and traditional ceremonies.
The school also uses outdoor spaces for learning and Buddies. Recently, the teachers and students noticed the frog pond needed some TLC. Now, the Year 6 and Kindergarten students are teaming up to give it a fresh new look.
And it’s not just the frog pond that’s getting a fresh new face.
“We’re also in the process of redeveloping the playground,” says Lucy.
“The first stage included the two big inground trampolines and the two slides on the natural incline and they’ve been a hit.”
Next, the school plans to add a large natural rock-climbing wall, climbing ropes, a dry river bed with water pump, ochre carving rock and a new outdoor amphitheatre. We hope we get another invite when it’s all done!
“Oh, we’re getting a chicken coop too, complete with sustainable features like a water tank and solar panels.”
Exciting times ahead!
3 :: Small Class Sizes, Big Impact
We left the outdoors and headed inside to learn more about how the classes are run at Frensham Junior School.
It’s a small school by design as Lucy explains, with one class per grade.
“We prioritise small class sizes and experienced teachers to ensure personalised learning,” Lucy emphasises.
As we strolled through the halls, we were charmed by the flood of natural light streaming through the large classroom windows, the friendly welcome from the staff, and the real in-depth learning that appeared to be happening everywhere we turned our heads.
“There’s something special about a small school, it creates a real community where students genuinely care about each other,” Lucy adds with a grin.
4 :: Preschool Exploration
We strolled from the big kids’ territory into the preschool zone, greeted by a burst of colour and creativity.
Here, little one’s dive into hands-on fun, sparking their curiosity and love for learning.
Take, for instance, their “Out the Gate” program. Decked out in gumboots, they venture into the Land for Wildlife area, soaking in nature’s wonders. The Preschool Director, Tinna, is all about encouraging exploration and questions. We’re blown away by how much these tiny tots already know about the great outdoors.
Another example is provided to us when we ask curiously about the canoe that’s hanging out in the sandpit.
“If a student is interested in certain things we like to go with it. We had some students who were talking about fishing which turned into an opportunity to investigate boats and we built a boat out of papier-mache. Then our Director found this canoe and she brought it in and put it in the sandpit. It’s now one of their favourite things to play with and sparks lots of imaginative play and discussion.”
How cool!
5 :: Diverse Learning
Students in both the Preschool and Primary school at Frensham Junior School are given loads of diverse learning opportunities.
From Japanese lessons to music tuition and art competitions, students explore their interests and talents in a supportive environment.
All students at the school learn Japanese and Frensham Junior School has a sister school in Japan who they’ve had a relationship with for over 30 years. There are regular Zoom calls between classes and every 3 years the Japanese students will either come here or older Frensham Junior School students will visit them in Japan.
“Music is very important here too.” Lucy adds, “We have a music centre with a specialised music teacher and private music tuition. We have 15 different tutors who deliver individual lessons in 5 specially designed tutoring rooms. More than 80% of the students here are learning a musical instrument.”
Art is clearly a priority too with students from the school entering ‘The Young Archies’ every year and quite a few shortlisted entrants over the years.
Stepping back outside we noticed some kiddos working on their serves on the tennis courts.
“We have a PDHPE and Sport Coordinator and we also have a number of specialists who come in to teach sport. Like tennis coaches here from Highlands Tennis or golf coaches, or swimming lessons at Centenary Pool, we encourage diverse sporting interests in our students.”
6 :: A Calm Learning Environment
One thing we noticed when we were touring through the school was the sense of real tranquillity.
“One of the things I love about being at this school is its sense of tranquillity. It is a calm and peaceful place for students to come to school each day which is such a special thing to have in today’s busy world” says Lucy.
7 :: Community Support
As we speak to Lucy, we’re blown away by how much Frensham Junior School values the input from its community. The school has a Families of Gib Gate (FOGG) group which fosters community connection and friendraising and an Advisory Committee with parent representatives who provide advice on whole school initiatives. This collaborative approach ensures that changes are well-thought-out and reflect the needs and wants of the students, teachers and greater community.
8 :: Extracurricular Opportunities
School isn’t over when the bell rings, Lucy explains. There are so many opportunities for extracurricular learning.
“It’s about developing the whole child.” she says, “What can they do to develop their interests, personality and character? We have activities like gardening, coding, cooking, public speaking, ceramics, drama and more.”
“We also offer Homework Club until 5pm each day, where children can have afternoon tea and be supported by experienced teachers with their individualised home learning goals.”
A school where kids actually want to stay back?! Incredible!
After wandering around the school, we’ve come away with a really good understanding of what makes Frensham Junior School such an incredible place for kids and families. We can tell it’s a place where learning knows no limits and where every student can grow, both academically and personally.
Experience it for yourself and book a tour of Frensham Junior School online here. It’s absolutely worth a visit for any parent or carer interested in wanting to know more. You can also call Carole McCormick on 4860 2000.
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