Democratic Schools: An alternative to the traditional school system

Have you ever heard about a 'Democratic School', but not sure how a school following this model of education actually works? In this week's episode of The Parenting Couch, Rachel & Sarah talk to Wendy Pettit from Currambena Primary School in Lane Cove to understand what makes a Democratic Education so special.

Democratic Schools promote learning in a cooperative environment in which decision making and authority is shared between students and the teacher. In this interview, Wendy from Currambena Primary School in Lane Cove shares the how the schools run and the benefits of this approach to students.

• What is a 'democratic school'?
• How is a democratic school different to a more traditional school?
• Does the syllabus follow the NSW Curriculum?
• How does it work with children helping to make the rules?
• Why might some parents hesitant to enrol their child in a Democratic school?
• Is it a fee-paying school?
• How are the students who graduate from Currambena different to other kids?
• What high schools do students typically move onto after finishing Year 6?

Currambena Primary School and Preschool is a democratic school based on Sydney’s Lower North Shore that offers truly child-centred, play-based education for both pre and primary school children.
Established in 1969, they have long been recognised as a leader in innovative educational thinking. At Currambena, they deliver a holistic approach to learning which focuses on developing a child’s skills for life as well as high academic standards.

• Address: 205 Longueville Road, Lane Cove
• Email: enquiries@currambena.nsw.edu.au
• Phone: 0417 447 227
• Currambena School website

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