bardon state school Archives

Bardon State School Leads Australia with First Accredited Forest School Program

Bardon State School has become the first school in Australia to receive official accreditation for its Forest School program from the Australian Forest School Association.

Pioneering Outdoor Education

The Forest School at Bardon provides a classroom experience like no other, where students learn under open skies and among natural surroundings instead of in traditional rooms. Students from Prep to Year 2 can explore, learn, and play outdoors on school grounds and along nearby Ithaca Creek.

The school launched the program in 2023, initially with Prep classes, and has since expanded it to include Year 1 and Year 2 students in 2024, after receiving positive feedback from both parents and students.

Bardon State School Forest School Program — *Photo Credit: Bardon State School/Facebook*

Bardon’s Forest School integrates directly with the regular curriculum, ensuring students engage with core subjects in an outdoor context. The school reports that students participate in activities like maths assessments by the creek, where they apply concepts of capacity and measurement using natural elements.

Forest School teacher Kerry Forrest explains that the program is designed to make learning hands-on and relatable, which encourages students to connect meaningfully with both their lessons and the environment.

Community Support and Impact

The program has received strong community support, particularly from parents who value the unique outdoor learning experience as a significant aspect of their children’s education. During a recent school review, parents described Forest School as a highlight of Bardon’s educational approach and praised the fact that it is led entirely by school staff rather than outsourced to external providers.

This whole-school approach, led by Principal Jill Rutland and supported by staff, reinforces the program’s focus on building students’ social skills, environmental awareness, and engagement with the world around them.

Significance of Accreditation

Being the first Forest School in Australia to achieve accreditation highlights Bardon State School’s commitment to innovative education that combines academic learning with an appreciation of the natural world.

This achievement comes as Australia prepares to celebrate Outdoor Classroom Day on 7 November, a global initiative that promotes outdoor education as an essential part of students’ learning.

Forrest and Rutland believe that Bardon’s accreditation reflects the value of immersive outdoor education and reinforces the importance of making education relevant and accessible for all students in new and engaging ways.

Published 30-Oct-2024

Bardon Mayfair Returns in 2024 for a Vibrant Community Celebration

Mark your calendars, Bardon locals! The much-beloved Bardon Mayfair is returning in June, bringing a day of joy, community, and endless entertainment to the neighbourhood.

Read: Historic Bardon Property Linked to Royal Visit Hits the Market

After a successful event last year, the Bardon State School is excited to once again host this vibrant community celebration from 10:00 a.m to 3:00 p.m. on 2 June 2024. Locals can look forward to an array of delights, from the bustling market stalls to the delectable food and drink offerings.

Explore the Treasure Trove of Goodies

Bardon Mayfair will be a shopper’s paradise, with an abundance of market stalls showcasing an eclectic mix of treasures. Browse the racks of trendy clothing and accessories, discover one-of-a-kind handmade crafts, and uncover vintage gems and preloved items that are sure to delight. It’s the perfect opportunity to find that special something that brings a smile to your face.

Savour the Flavors, Share Moments with Loved Ones

No community celebration is complete without delicious food and drink. Attendees can indulge in a wide array of culinary delights, from freshly brewed coffee and sweet treats to savoury bites that will tantalise the taste buds. It’s the ideal setting to sit back, relax, and enjoy quality time with friends and family.

Vibrant Entertainment for All

The Bardon Mayfair is more than just a market – it’s a true celebration of the community’s talent and spirit. Last year’s event was a resounding success, with the Bardon’s Got Talent winners wowing the crowd and the dancers taking the stage by storm. This year promises even more non-stop entertainment!

Read: Resilient Bardon Records High Buyer Demand as Property Market Cools

Don’t miss out on the magic of Bardon Mayfair in 2024. Stay tuned to the school’s event page for the latest updates, and get ready to immerse yourself in a day of vibrant community spirit, extraordinary finds, and unforgettable moments.

Published 12-April-2024

Fun Activities For Kids Ages 0-5 At Bardon State School

Photo credit: Bardon State School/Facebook

Bardon State School will be holding Bardon Buddies sessions, a weekly community event for kids ages 0-5, from July 2021 onwards.

Read: Bardon Ranks in Top 3 for Most Renovation Projects in Brisbane

Bardon Buddies, to be held starting 23 July 2021 from 9:00 am to 10:30 am, was created to support all ages with their transition to school. Activities include painting, playdough, games, and storytime.

Believing in the motto, “Learning and Growing,” Bardon State School seeks to maximise each child’s potential in a supportive, challenging and community focussed environment. Their curriculum is not only building the literacy and numeracy skills of our future citizens but embeds inquiry learning to develop curious thinkers and innovative problem solvers.

“We want to foster the artists, academics, musicians, sportspeople, digital whizzes and scientists of the future,” Bardon State School said about their curriculum.

Photo credit: Bardon State School/Facebook

Just last month, Bardon State School held its three-day Athletics Carnival, where kids had a blast participating in sports activities. The upcoming Bardon Buddies is just one of the many activities lined up for this school year.

For further information about this upcoming event, visit https://bardonss.eq.edu.au/ or follow them on Facebook.

State Government Installs Solar Panels at Bardon State School, More Qld Schools on the Way

The State Government ends 2019 with Advancing Clean Energy Schools (ACES) program reaching another milestone as Bardon State School and several other Qld schools saw solar panels installed over their rooftops.

State schools are one of the State Government’s largest energy consumers, spending more than $71 million each year. Advancing Clean Energy Schools (ACES) Program is the State Government’s initiative aimed at reducing energy consumption at 1,241 state schools through a $97-million investment in solar panels and energy efficiency measures, which may include LED lighting, timers on hot water systems, and additional solar systems.

Ten thousand new solar panels have already been installed on 76 state school buildings and classrooms, Education Minister Grace Grace announced last 17 December 2019. As installation work ramped up over the Christmas holiday period, additional 2,000 panels would have already been installed in 14 Qld state schools entering the year 2020.

“We’re making great progress in making our state schools more energy efficient,” she said, adding that the ACES program is expected to support 320 jobs and 58,000 hours of apprentice work.

“Not only are we going to save millions of dollars, we’re also helping reduce our impact on the environment and support local jobs in the process,” she said.

The ACES Program is expected to help the state achieve its 50 percent renewable energy target by 2030, with approximately $10 million savings realised per year.

Almost 3,000 kW of solar power is being generated, so far, from the installed panels across the state and almost 34,000 solar panels would have been installed by the end of June 2020.

Of the 1,241 state schools, more than 800 across the Department of Education’s 7 regions are being assessed for possible inclusion in program which will be based on the potential for a return on investment, current levels of energy use, student numbers and site conditions.

The Department of Education has identified the first 210 schools (30 from each region) to have solar panels installed by the end of the financial year. Phase 2 of the program will be implemented during 2020-21 followed by Phase 3 during 2021-22.

The first 30 schools in Metropolitan region to benefit from the ACES program include:

Acacia Ridge State School
Ascot State School
Ashgrove State School
Aviation High
Balmoral State High School
Bardon State School
Camp Hill State Infants and Primary School
Cannon Hill State School
Coorparoo Secondary College
Coorparoo State School
Eagle Junction State School
Graceville State School
Ithaca Creek State School
Kedron State School
Marshall Road State School
Milton State School
Moorooka State School
Morningside State School
New Farm State School
Norman Park State School
Petrie Terrace State School
Rainworth State School
Toowong State School
Wellers Hill State School
West End State School
Whites Hill State College
Wilston State School
Windsor State School
Wooloowin State School
Yeronga State High School

Spend Your Sunday At The Bardon State School Mayfair 2018

Come celebrate the Bardon State School Mayfair on 10 June from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The family-friendly event has something in store for people of all ages.

The event will showcase non-stop entertainment and fun rides for kids and adults. There will also be interesting activities such as the petting zoo along with other fair favourites.

Rows and rows of stalls will be present at the event selling delicious food, home trinkets, and just about anything! Unique finds are in store for you here.

You also might want to join the silent auction this year because it’s going to be bigger and better. Big prizes await such as QPAC tickets, bikes, and weekend getaways.

Spend your Sunday here with your family and have an awesome time!

The funds accumulated at this event will go directly to the school to improve the facilities.

Entrance to the event is FREE.

Address: 330 Simpsons Rd, Bardon QLD 4065, AU