Clemton Park EEC Inquiry Visit: Interest Based Curriculum in Action

Located on the grounds of a public school, in a building that wasn’t designed for today’s early childhood education offering, come and experience the team’s commitment to re-imagining places and spaces that celebrate children’s interests and ideas, and embed primary educator relationships to truly support children’s engagement and sense of belonging.

Who is it for?

Pre-school room teachers and educators keen to learn more about interest-based curriculum construction with children.

What will you take away?

See child-led interest-based curriculum in practice with a focus on the role of the attuned primary educator relationships and carefully designed learning environments.

What does the session include?

Introduction/overview of the organisation vision, centre philosophy, staffing and structure followed by a tour of the centre with ample time spent immersed in the spaces, both indoors and outdoors, in and around children and the educative team. Opportunities to read through classroom documentation as well as time together allocated at the end of the session for questions and to talk through relevant aspects of practice.

Follow Up Session

Participant led Q&A hosted by Frida Caris and the preschool classroom teacher, Lucy Carmichael. This online session with facilitate the opportunity to raise questions, clarify information and share any actions taken post visit.

Venue

Located inside Clemton Park Public School

185 Bexley Rd, Earlwood NSW 2006

Presenters 

Nicole Tytherleigh is an early childhood teacher with a particular interest in developing contextual curriculum in diverse settings and collaborating with teacher colleagues. Always keen to share insights and experience, she has presented widely within the early childhood fraternity and after many years sharing the stories of her work with children, families and colleagues, she looks forward to supporting others to do the same. In her current role as 3-5’s Pedagogical Coach at Gowrie NSW, Nicole is working with teachers and educators in preschool spaces to embed a deep focus on intentionality, elevate child voice and create exciting places that resonate with the contributions of children.

Frida Caris is an early childhood teacher with over 25 years of sector experience and is currently the Centre Director at Gowrie NSW Clemton Park Early Education and Care Centre. Frida is extremely passionate about interest-based curriculum construction and creating rich, inviting learning environments that support exploration, connection, research and discovery. She relishes the opportunity to conspire and collaborate with educators, mentoring and supporting them to grow and reach their full potential. An ardent advocate for primary educator relationships, Frida treasures the relationships she builds with children and their families as part of her daily work.

Lucy Carmichael is a passionate early childhood teacher who works primarily with children aged 3 to 5. She is committed to inquiry-based learning, encouraging children to explore their curiosity, ask questions, and think critically through hands-on projects and meaningful experiences. Lucy creates engaging, thoughtful environments that inspire learning and foster a strong sense of wonder. Her approach is collaborative, often researching and exploring alongside children to extend their thinking. She brings a nurturing presence and intentionality to her teaching and is dedicated to supporting each child’s unique learning journey. Lucy also values strong partnerships with families and actively builds community connections to enrich and support children's holistic development.