Beyond the gates - the South West is our extended classroom
Nature's Atelier Community School
Our Setting
Nature's Atelier Community School sits on sixteen hectares of Boodja (country), pasture and food forest at 431 Rendezvous Road, Vasse, within the City of Busselton. In 2025 the site was the recipient of the Excellence in Outdoor Learning Award from Child Australia.
Light-filled, flexible spaces with direct access to outdoor areas - used for atelier work, small-group teaching, performing arts and shelter from extreme weather.
A dedicated atelier and separate performing arts space, in keeping with our Reggio-inspired roots.
Loose-parts play, child-designed climbing structures, mud kitchens and nature play areas built from local materials.
Productive gardens and animals to plant, grow, harvest and tend - a working laboratory for science, technologies, sustainability and care.
Designated Country areas for collaborative construction, biology investigations, horticulture and seasonal project work.
Quiet places for observation of local flora and fauna, fostering long-running phenological records and citizen-science projects.
An outdoor gathering space for community events, performances, family celebrations and end-of-season exhibitions.
A Community School
We invite families, neighbours, farmers, artists, scientists and First Nations community members to walk on the property with us - to teach, and to be taught.
We care for the land, our outdoor spaces, and each other with patience and respect.
We listen carefully, think generously, and bring our best ideas in good faith.
We are kinder, calmer, and stronger when we look out for one another.
"It takes a village to raise a child - and a piece of well-loved Country to teach them."- African proverb, adapted
Families are encouraged to participate in events, workshops, working bees and decision-making processes.
We host community events focused on nature, sustainability and child development throughout the year.
Environmental organisations, regional artists, educators and First Nations knowledge-holders enrich children's experience.
Solar power, rainwater harvesting, composting, ecological gardening and considered reuse of materials run through all operations.