High hopes for farm education

High hopes for farm education

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Skye Moss and Aria Walton attend Eton Farm Education in Serpentine. Photograph – Richard Polden.

A proposed alternative non-government school is hoping the local community will dig deep into their pockets to support their next venture. 

Eton Farm Education first opened its doors to children aged from two to four years in February 2018. 

However, the Serpentine-based not-for-profit organisation is now looking to expand its capabilities and open up to the community for playgroup right to through to year one classes. 

Founder and principal Mary McKay-Walton said the Minister for Education approved the school’s application to run a non-government school at the site and they now await the director general’s approval for registration to begin teaching in February next year. 

The organisation has since set up a GoFundMe page in the hope of raising $30,000 to make their dreams a reality. 

“The reality is that the costs we are facing to carry out our evolution into an inviting, diverse and nurturing school are significant,” Mrs McKay-Walton said. 

“We are hoping to reach people who want to financially support us because they believe in our vision and intention for our children to receive an education in line with the WA curriculum, but in an independent and supportive way.” 

If the teaching registration is approved, Eton Farm Education will be able to provide a number of classes on its 160 acre site, which will be focused on co-operative learning and active hands-on techniques. 

Once established, the organisation will be open to all students within the Serpentine Jarrahdale area, as well as areas such as North Dandalup and Pinjarra to the south and Baldivis and Rockingham to the west. 

The not-for-profit group is hosting a twilight fair on October 26 with food stalls, live music and a bonfire. 

To donate visit the GoFundMe page or the Eton Farm Education Facebook page.