Clemton Park EEC Inquiry Visit: Interest Based Curriculum in Action

Join a small group of participants on an inquiry visit to Gowrie NSW Clemton Park Early Education and Care Centre, where you will hear about the journey the preschool team have been on to develop a negotiated and child-led curriculum.

 A unique and immersive experience to observe how educators draw on children’s interests, questions and ideas to create rich, meaningful learning experiences and facilitate project work. Come and experience the team’s commitment to re-imagining places and spaces that celebrate these interests and contributions and embed primary educator relationships to truly support children’s engagement and sense of belonging.

 

Who is it for:

Preschool room teachers and educators keen to learn more about interest-based curriculum construction that reflects and elevates the voices of children.

 

What will you take away:

Come away with practical strategies and philosophical foundations related to child-led, interest-based curriculum with a focus on the role of attuned and responsive primary educator relationships and purposefully designed learning environments.

 

Session 1

In-Person

  • an introduction/overview of the organisational vision, foundational practices, centre philosophy, structure and staffing
  • a curated tour of the centre with ample time spent immersed in the spaces, both indoors and outdoors, in and around children and the educative team in action
  • opportunities to read through classroom documentation
  • time together allocated at the end of the visit for questions and to talk through relevant aspects of practice


Session 2

Online follow-up

  • a follow-up session for participant-led Q&A hosted by the centre director, Frida Caris, and preschool classroom teacher Lucy Carmichael.
  • this online session will facilitate the opportunity to raise questions, clarify information and share any actions taken post-visit.

 

    • $245
    • Date

      Wed 11 March – Wed 25 March
      • Session 1: In-Person Inquiry Visit
        11 March 2026
        9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
      • Session 2: Online Zoom Follow-Up Session
        25 March 2026
        10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
    • Location

      Sydney
    • Presented by

      • Nicole Tytherleigh
      • Frida Caris
      • Lucy Carmichael
    Register
    • $245
    • Date

      Thu 23 April – Thu 7 May
      • Session 1: In-Person Inquiry Visit
        23 April 2026
        9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
      • Session 2: Online Zoom Follow-Up Session
        7 May 2026
        10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
    • Location

      Sydney
    • Presented by

      • Nicole Tytherleigh
      • Frida Caris
      • Lucy Carmichael
    Register
    • $245
    • Date

      Wed 24 June – Wed 8 July
      • Session 1: In-Person Inquiry Visit
        24 June 2026
        9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
      • Session 2: Online Zoom Follow-Up Session
        8 July 2026
        10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
    • Location

      Sydney
    • Presented by

      • Nicole Tytherleigh
      • Frida Caris
      • Lucy Carmichael
    Register
    • $245
    • Date

      Wed 16 September – Wed 30 September
      • Session 1: In-Person Inquiry Visit
        16 September 2026
        9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
      • Session 2: Online Zoom Follow-Up Session
        30 September 2026
        10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
    • Location

      Sydney
    • Presented by

      • Nicole Tytherleigh
      • Frida Caris
      • Lucy Carmichael
    Register
    • $245
    • Date

      Thu 22 October – Thu 5 November
      • Session 1: In-Person Inquiry Visit
        22 October 2026
        9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
      • Session 2: Online Zoom Follow-Up Session
        5 November 2026
        10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
    • Location

      Sydney
    • Presented by

      • Nicole Tytherleigh
      • Frida Caris
      • Lucy Carmichael
    Register
    • $245
    • Date

      Wed 25 November – Wed 9 December
      • Session 1: In-Person Inquiry Visit
        25 November 2026
        9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
      • Session 2: Online Zoom Follow-Up Session
        9 December 2026
        10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
    • Location

      Sydney
    • Presented by

      • Nicole Tytherleigh
      • Frida Caris
    Register

About the presenters

  • Frida Bio Pic
    Frida Caris

    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 BIo Pic
    Lucy Carmichael

    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.

  • Nicole tytherleigh headshot small
    Nicole Tytherleigh

    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.