Gowrie's History of Demonstration and Research
Gowrie NSW offers a unique model of practice demonstration through our inquiry visits, which date back some 85 years as a corner stone of the organisation’s inception. Centres were established across Australia, designed to demonstrate exemplary preschool practice to other preschools and the community at large.
From 1940 to 1975, many parents joined preschool educators to observe demonstration of practice as a component to specifically individualise tailored parenting information sessions. The demonstration model ensured a clear understanding of the rationale behind observed practices along with the opportunity for reflection, discussion and questions.
‘Research has been a key part of Gowrie since the establishment of the Erskineville centre in 1940 as a demonstration child research centre ... There is [also] a long tradition of educators engaging in research into their practices and developing and trialling innovative approaches to curriculum (Gowrie NSW Program Foundations, p. 15).’
Gowrie NSW's Demonstration Model Today
Today, our demonstration model extends beyond the preschool age group and includes birth to 3-year practice as well as an extension into our OSHC services who provide education for children and young people aged 5 to 12 years.
Gowrie NSW continues to be a respected leader in the sector working with and alongside academics, sector experts, universities and research organisations to engage in action research and practitioner inquiry. This ongoing commitment to research and practice inquiry upholds learning together through demonstration.
Read more about our inquiry visits here à The Impact of Inquiry Visits at Gowrie NSW
Birth to 3 Inquiry Visits
This unique opportunity includes a dialogue session with Gowrie NSW Pedagogical Coach, Fiona Veld-Brown, along with Erskineville’s Infant Pedagogical Lead, Shaila Martinez. The morning will provide space for you to learn how the theory and philosophy of respectful relationships, sensitive observation and empowerment are translated into quality practices with infants.
Who is it for:
Early childhood educators and leaders working with infants who are seeking to deepen reflective practice and strengthen respectful, relationship-based pedagogy.
What will you take away:
Gain practical insights into sensitive and respectful observation in infant settings and explore how theory and philosophy translate into high-quality, everyday practice through guided observation, reflection, and professional dialogue.
What does the session include:
- a briefing on sensitive and respectful observation
- observation time in an infant room
- reflection and dialogue session with Gowrie NSW Pedagogical Coach, Fiona Veld-Brown
- a story of practice presentation with our Erskineville Infant Pedagogical Lead, Shaila Martinez
- time for questions with Fiona and Shaila Martinez.
3-5 Years Inquiry Visits
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.
What does the session include:
- 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
- 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.
5-12 Years Inquiry Visits
Watch this space!