Unique Yanginanook
We are proud to be different. Instead of moving towards a larger institution, we have remained a small, Christian community that can individualise the curriculum and prioritise the individual needs of our diverse student body. Our students work together in a stimulating learning environment that promotes mutual respect, positive behaviour and excellence in learning – without the negatives of peer pressure and unrealistic expectations. Children come to school each day and experience the reality of working together in a community that aims to meet each other’s needs.
Yanginanook aims to:
- foster a love of learning, positive self-esteem and Christian values in a caring home-like environment
- provide a multi-age approach where all children work together and are challenged according to their ability rather than their age, thereby offering remedial and gifted and talented teaching on an individual basis
- encourage kindness, tolerance, and cooperation rather than competition
- recognise and nurture the unique qualities of each child
- have an open-door policy where parent involvement is welcome and encouraged
- have an eco-friendly and sustainable focus
- provide a natural mentoring process where younger students benefit from the helpful role models of the older students and are exposed to higher levels of learning
- equip older students to take on important responsibilities and vital leadership roles, developing leadership and nurturing skills, and give opportunities to share their knowledge and skills
The Multi-age approach
Yanginanook is a multi-age school. This means that our students work altogether in the one classroom, rather than separated into specific year groups.
What are the benefits of the Yanginanook multi-age classroom?
- From Kindergarten, our students develop a love for learning and understand the importance of working both independently and cooperatively. This approach encourages children to want to take responsibility for their own learning and to work to the best of their ability, striving for personal excellence.
- Students complete schoolwork according to their ability, rather than their age. Learning activities are therefore targeted at the right level for each individual child. Children work through the curriculum at their own pace, often exceeding age-appropriate outcomes.
- Students work in a flexible environment, learning the vital skills required for self-direction, peer-tutoring and leadership. All students work together to become an important part of a respectful, hard-working and fun community.
- Younger students benefit from the helpful role models of the older students and are exposed to higher levels of learning.
- Older students take on important responsibilities and vital leadership roles, developing leadership and nurturing skills. They are given opportunities to share their knowledge and skills.
- All students play an important role in the school community and benefit from positive social interaction, respectful behaviours and increased self-esteem.
Homework
Yanginanook has a no homework policy for Years K-6. Students spend a large portion of the day engaged in meaningful learning experiences and manage to cover the curriculum without additional pressures placed on the home environment.
Uniform
Yanginanook does not have a school uniform; however, students are expected to wear comfortable and sun-safe clothing (no singlet or sleeveless tops) and enclosed shoes. Parents are asked to purchase a ‘Yanginanook’ hat that is worn by our primary school students when outside and when attending school excursions.