If you are homeschooling, or planning to homeschool, your child you might find our list of classes and activities in the local area, that run during school hours helpful. Here is a list of classes on offer in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Hunter.
Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters
Location: Anna Bay
Website: Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters
Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters are open 364 days of the year (closed Christmas Day) from 9-5pm. They offer school excursions and a Mini Marine Biologist program in the school holidays. The LEARN section on their website includes Lesson Plans for all primary school stages. Under Elasmopage on the LEARN tab you’ll find resources relating to Plastic Pollution, Endangered Sharks, Sustainable Fishing and more. There is also Planet Warrior Education with books and e-books, podcasts, free online lessons and programs and a blog covering an array of topics around science and sustainability.
Hunter Alt School
Location: Newcastle area
Website: Hunter Alt School
Hunter Alt School run regular workshops for homeschooled kids. Examples are their Aboriginal Culture Workshop and Coded Treasure Hunt Workshop at Blue Gum Hills Regional Park. Refer to their facebook page for more information.
Newcastle Parkour
Location: Newcastle
Website: Newcastle Parkour
Newcastle Parkour’s Kids Homeschool Classes are scheduled during the day to suit kids in a home learning environment. In these classes the focus is on the development of community and culture with students and all students are taught progressions exercises before they are allowed to attempt any new skills.
Phoenix Park Farm
Location: Phoenix Park (near Morpeth)
Website: Phoenix Park Farm
Phoenix Park Farm is a working organic farm adjacent to the Hunter River at Phoenix Park near Morpeth. The farm has mixed vegetable crops, citrus orchard, pasture raised eggs, honey production and fodder crops. They also have areas of improved and restored wildlife habitat and extensive riparian zones. Phoenix Farm’s Growing Future Farmers program is an educational experience which utilises hands on farming and creative arts to enhance wellbeing, connection to country and a love of growing things. All whilst promoting the ideals of eating, living and farming sustainably. They offer Come & Try Sessions, a Growing Future Farmers Porgram, School Holiday programs and Primary School and Early Childhood excursions and incursions. They also offer Learn Your Way – The Growing Future Farmers program for children with disabilities or additional learning needs. Contact Phoenix Farm via their website to discuss availability.
The Authentic Child
Location: Broadmeadow
Website: The Authentic Child
The Authentic Child program was designed by a child and family counsellor who believes that we need to teach our children from a very young age how to remain strong and connected to their authentic selves, and to always know that they, as individuals have all the power within themselves they need to help them achieve their best lives. The Authentic Child hold weekly workshops for children aged 3-12years as well as school holiday workshops and home-schooling classes.
The Nature Space
Location: Newcastle area
Website: The Nature Space
The Nature Space is a new indoor/outdoor nature centred, child-led, play based, unschooling drop-off program for home educating families. For upcoming events refer to their facebook page.
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Meg is a born and raised Novocastrian whose interests include gardening, reading and writing poetry. In between writing for Newy With Kids and working as a School Learning Support Officer, Meg enjoys camping and travelling with her family and exploring Newcastle and all it has to offer. Meg has two energetic kids and is passionate about kids having the opportunity to be outdoors as often as possible.