NGUTU COLLEGE

A COMMUNITY OF RESEARCH AMD INQUIRY

Creativity • Duality • Empowerment • Hope • Sustainability

“The vision is still really the same (referring to his previous Principalship at a public primary school in Alberton) about equitable access and giving every child a chance to be exposed to opportunities that other kids are exposed to and being able to be put in touch with their potential passion.” (Head of College Andrew Plastow)

Andrew Plastow, the founder of Ngutu, was an innovative Principal in the Public Education System. He left to pursue the freedom to develop a school that had Aboriginal Culture as its Soul, Children as its Heart and the Arts as its Spine. He began initial discussions about the possibility of establishing an independent school in mid-2019. Ngutu opened with one hundred students R – 7 at the beginning of 2021.

The kindergarten based on Reggio Emilia principles and Aboriginal ways of learning will open in 2022 with the aim of the college extending to year 12 by 2026. The college is being developed and building occurring around the learning community is being established.

At the beginning of 2021, classes were held in transportable buildings erected on the

site while the main building underwent renovation. Teachers and co-educators

work with community members, volunteers, and the children to ensure the learning is culturally appropriate.

Learning design is informed by the whole community including the children, to develop their knowledge

and skills in ways that actively involves them in community.

A school culture of research and inquiry involves all levels of the college

community in ensuring that those

attributes that the college values form the basis of evaluation. The aim of the evaluation framework, led by the college in collaboration with Flinders researchers, is for the college to demonstrate impact on children’s learning to thrive beyond the ‘school gate’.

“Today we spent time ‘Finding Our Heart’. Our children were so grateful and joyous to play on our grass for the first time. It was an unexpected moment of connection we didn’t realise would be so powerful. When you have to wait for something, help create it, and watch on with anticipation, there is a strong sense of ownership and gratitude when the wait is finally over.” (Ngutu College Facebook, 2021)