Being a Child at QACS...
Means becoming part of the family that is our school. QACS is a place where children matter most. It is a place where children's ideas, interests and concerns are central to the conversations that are had in our classrooms, and the types of learning experiences that we strive to create. School is not something that is done 'to' children at Queen Anne Community School, it is something that is done 'with' children.
Our emphasis on community means that children are supported and encouraged to learn how to share their ideas assertively and respectfully, listen to the views of others, evaluate opinions different to their own, and most importantly - feel safe and loved for being who they are.
Learning is exciting at our school! Children are encouraged to share their passions and interests, and help bring learning to life within their classrooms and the wider school community. Interdisciplinary themes are generated with the children, allowing them to develop a feeling of ownership over their learning. Each major learning theme involves many different hands-on, "real life", project-based and/or cooperative learning experiences. A unit on 'The Ocean', for example, might involve the transformation of the classroom into an 'ocean replica' - complete with beach, reef, open and deep sea habitats and creatures. It might also involve fieldtrips to the beach, lessons in sailing or boat-making, an early morning trip to a local fish market, a fancy seafood dinner for parents (with sustainably harvested fish, of course!) and possibly even a dramatic performance of one of the children's stories set by the sea - presented to a delighted and uproariously entertained school community.
Our teachers work hard to ensure that every child is engaged in the wonder and excitement of learning and life. Children at our school learn to think creatively and critically, to pose their own questions and debate ideas, to make real decisions over the content and process of their learning, feel celebrated for their many skills, yet challenged and supported to reach their highest potential. Life at our school is viewed as an on-going and exhilerating challenge - where the rewards are worth every bit of effort and passion contributed by all. The following quote captures the enthusiasm for learning, identity and community that we strive to achieve:
"What makes me love QACS? Being able to build a boat together in the morning, set sail to the bahamas by lunch, have the quietest member of our class reclaim a chest of treasure from a band of thieving pirates by mid-afternoon, and be back for snuggling and Chapter Book by the end of the day!" - QACS teacher
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