Learning Principles

The Friends’ School is a coeducational Quaker school based on fundamental values such as the intrinsic worth of each person, the recognition of ‘that of God’ in everyone, the desirability of simplicity and the need to establish peace and justice.

As a learning community, we are concerned for the academic, cultural, physical, social, emotional and spiritual development of each person in our care.

We seek to help our students develop as people who will think clearly, act with integrity, make decisions for themselves, be sensitive to the needs of others and the environment, be strong in service and hold a global perspective.

We believe that when they engage academically, students learn best when they are organised and prepared to learn: they know what success looks like and where it leads, and experience success, identifying progress made and learning from mistakes through meaningful reflection. They are encouraged to make connections and construct meaning for themselves by connecting new concepts with previous learning and are active and curious in their learning.

Students who interact with educators who encourage questioning and communicating collaboratively, have a voice in their learning, receive constructive feedback and demonstrate academic engagement. This is enhanced and supported by staff who model passion for learning, and learning experiences that are designed with multiple entry points.

In a comfortable, physical and emotional environment, students can be confident that they will be respected if they take a risk. They know that their physical and mental health is supported, are challenged to consider alternative perspectives and are intrinsically motivated to take action, believing physically and mentally that they can. Valuing the learning environment both inside and out, and recognising the need for equity and simplicity, support successful learning.

Students feel safe, secure and valued socially, culturally and spiritually if differences are consistently acknowledged, respected and responded to appropriately. They trust that they are not judged, that their peers respect them, and that their voice is respected, listened to and considered. In this context, students trust the relationship, knowledge, skills and intent of other students and teachers and value sharing their learning. As they maintain a sense of curiosity and wonder about the world around them, students are able to develop a strong sense of self alongside acknowledging and understanding that there is something greater than the self.

Staff seek to support successful learning at Friends’ by enacting consistent expectations, embracing relationship building with all families, and supporting parents regarding the culture and context of learning at the School.