The Hurstbridge Learning Co-operative is a parent-run, alternative primary school situated in beautiful bushland close to the township of Hurstbridge, Victoria. Established in 1973, the Co-op is a community of families committed to providing the resources and experiences needed to create a more stimulating alternative to the mainstream classroom. We believe that every member of the community can contribute to the learning and raising of its children. At Co-op, children are given a true voice. They work alongside their friends, parents, and teachers to develop their unique passions. Enrollments are kept to around thirty children. The intimate size of the Co-op creates a community much like an extended family.
The Co-op values play and child-inspired learning. Child-inspired learning creates an environment where parents learn also, not only from the children but from each other as well. The very name ‘the Co-op” acknowledges this reciprocal effect. Activities and projects provide opportunities for parents and children to participate and learn together. Excursions, camps, and visitors to the school enhance this shared experience of learning.
We believe that, when provided with a positive and supportive environment, children have a natural curiosity and desire to learn. Natural curiosity and passion are at the heart of both the teaching and learning philosophy at the Co-op.
Co-op is seen to be part of a life-long learning process, which doesn’t start and finish with the school day. The aim is to respect each child, accept their individual development and recognize the child’s ownership of their learning.
We also support non-authoritarian conflict resolution processes that respect differences and empower the children to develop solutions that meet everyone’s needs. The Learning Co-operative is committed to the fundamental belief that all individuals are unique and, as such, we each have our unique learning agenda and preferred ways of learning. We, therefore, strive to create an environment where children are free to explore their creativity and individuality and those of others.
Choice, co-operation, open-mindedness, non-judgemental attitudes, wonder, and curiosity are defining features of the learning environment. We are committed to the principles of self-awareness and empowerment where individuals have input into their learning and personal development. We are committed to the process of consensus, where each individual believes that their opinion, thoughts, or feelings are respected, acknowledged, and validated and they have an obligation to both express and articulate their needs and views and listen to others do the same.
We are committed to creating an environment that is nurturing and caring of the individual both in times of achievement and in times of struggle. We are committed to an environment that fosters and promotes a love of learning, sharing, and collaboration, peace, and non-violence. We believe that good education must enhance our humanity and foster the values that will enable us to live in harmony with our fellow human beings and with our environment. Education must focus on the person as ‘person’ and not just as ‘student’.
We believe that the Learning Co-operative is a diverse environment. We are inspired by and committed to, this diversity. We believe it is integral to our philosophy and fundamental principles. These principles are tolerance, patience, understanding, forgiveness, cooperation, respect, trust, compassion, diversity for oneself and the community in which we live, consensus, empowerment, and personal integrity. We believe that an environment and community that aspires to these principles can create a place where children will develop a strong sense of self, as well as empathy for others. We believe that this then will enable children to pursue their natural curiosity, wonder, and inquiry and help them develop their clear values and visions for life.
