Hampshire House

Hampshire House Beach School, building Courage and Curiosity

Our Kambala values of courage and curiosity are foundational qualities that empowers our children to thrive in an ever-changing world. Our Hampshire House Beach School programme embodies these values through immersive, child-led experiences, as they navigate the path along the Hermitage foreshore path along to the wonder filled rock pools. This natural environment sparks endless ‘why?’ and “what if moments?” How are waves made? Why do crabs walk sideways? and how can we care for this special environment?

Simultaneously, the children’s courage grows through safe, supported risk taking such as navigating uneven bushland trails, balancing on rocks and climbing stairs. With our teachers and educators providing thoughtful guidance, our children learn to assess challenges, persist through small uncertainties and build confidence to step beyond comfort zones. In this way our Beach School adventures are not mere outings but lived expressions of our commitment to courage and curiosity. These much-loved walks help our children to develop resilience, independence and a lifelong love of discovery. 

There is no doubt that the rock pools are natural laboratories where our children observe marine life whilst exploring concepts such as tides, buoyancy, ecosystems, and camouflage. This aligns beautifully with our Reggio Emilia approach to learning in which our children ask questions, make predictions, and test ideas through hands-on play. These group explorations are also a wonderful opportunity to encourage collaboration, build friendships and rejoice in shared discoveries.

The Hermitage foreshore walk is a highlight of the week for many of our children who learn how to put on their own sunscreen, walk at their own pace (within the group) and take ownership of their discoveries.

It is a small journey, rich with learning.

Ms Simone Cooke

Director Hampshire House