Balwyn Primary School

Balwyn Primary School is a multi-aging school where the teaching and learning practices are based on developmental learning - the most effective classroom organisational structure for teachers to meet the individual needs of children. Balwyn Primary School uses developmentally appropriate practices in their classrooms, to support the premise that every child learns at their own rate. It involves focusing on children as individuals who are growing and developing on a continuum of learning.

Furnware visited the school and their multi-age classrooms to talk about the role of furniture in facilitating the schools teaching philosophies.

Constructing the Space

Under the BER programme the school developed a building where a large open area is located in the centre with six classrooms coming off the space. Within the building teachers are not only responsible for their own classrooms but also for all the students in the area. 

This space has allowed students the freedom to work independently and collaboratively, “our students know how to do their tasks without having to interrupt the teacher,” Elyse O'Brien, principal, says.

Despite the fact that all classrooms have their doors open all the time in this building, there is still calmness in the space; “students work independently to their best.”

Michelle McMahon, teacher, explains the idea of having open doors where students can hear each other and learn from each other. “This open door philosophy has led teachers to implement team teaching for the two grades together as a whole.”

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