Classrooms & Bushland Setting
Yenamalla Budyari Gamada Gai-mariagal pemul – Walking together in good spirit in Gai-mariagal land.
What Makes Us a Bush School?
At Kinma, the natural environment is not just a backdrop—it’s a vital part of the classroom and a teacher in it’s own right. We foster a special relationship with Country. We openly and intentionally grapple with the questions of, “What is our ecological identity?” And “How do we grow our ecological identity?”. We believe that this is not simply knowledge of Country, but instead a deep knowing of how to BE in Country.
Children are encouraged to engage deeply with the land. Our outdoor spaces invite children to climb trees, build forts, design water systems, observe native insects and animals, alongside moments of stillness, all while developing problem-solving skills and a respectful relationship with the living world around them.
Nurture a Sense of Wonder
Regular bushwalks and seasonal creek visits offer opportunities to explore the Gaimarigal Country in which we are situated, observe native flora and fauna, and connect with the rich history of the local area. These adventures nurture a sense of wonder, responsibility, and appreciation for the interconnectedness of people and place.
Walking Gently and Honouring First Peoples
We aim to be present and continue to expand our respect and understanding of Aboriginal People’s perspectives so our children and community continue to learn about the deep history, its languages, cultures, and connections that span thousands of years. We are nestled between two water ways and understand that Kinma area was not for one clan, rather a meeting place and women’s land. For millennia women and children have been meeting and connecting in Kinma and surrounds for initiations, women’s business and gatherings.
The saying for our sign was gifted to us by Dennis Foley, who grew up in Gai-mariagal land, and shares much knowledge and stories with Kinma. Ngarra Ngurrara (pronounced na-rra nu-ra-wa) means ‘listen to country’ in Dharug language (widely recognised as the Sydney language). The idea of listening represents an opportunity to be present in nature.
Embedding Sustainability
A core way we continue to be responsible custodians is through our understanding and practices of sustainability, not a subject but a way of being, woven into everyday experiences, from bush walks, recycling, reusing, rethinking, to caring for our environment and understanding our impact.
Learning Through Managed Risks
We have a greater risk appetite. We recognise the benefits of taking risks and the rich learning opportunities that prevail. Alongside the encouragement of risk taking, we scaffold the development of a child’s ability to undertake robust self-assessment of risk and safety within experiences.
Teachers approach these moments with curiosity and inquiry, asking questions like, “Do you feel safe doing that?”, “What’s your plan?”, and “What are you learning from the plants and insects?”—guiding children to reflect on their choices and deepen their understanding.
Flexible Learning Spaces
Kinma’s learning environments are architecturally designed to support small group learning, independence, and connection to the natural surroundings. Classrooms open directly to the outdoors, with covered outdoor spaces that allow learning to take place both indoors and out. The sounds of birds, trees, and children collaborating form part of the daily atmosphere—supporting an active and social learning space.
Each room is unique and purpose-built to allow flexibility. Large open areas are paired with smaller spaces for group work, individual focus, and creative projects. Materials such as games, paper and crafting equipment are displayed on shelves and open workstations so that children can access what they need independently, make choices, and take ownership of their learning.
Environments for Indepence and Responsibility
The setup of each classroom encourages students to move, interact, and manage their own learning pathways. In Primary, children can also use the kitchen to warm their food or make a toastie, further supporting practical independence and responsibility.
Kinma’s buildings and learning spaces are designed to promote self-direction, collaboration, and engagement—creating an environment where children can explore, contribute, and grow.
