Education program approaches

There are many ways to design an education program. The examples below outline a range of possible approaches. Your program may follow one of these, combine several, or use a different approach entirely.

When selecting or developing your approach, you may wish to consider how it aligns with the Western Australian Curriculum and Assessment Outline.

Competency-based learning

• Focus: progress based on mastery rather than age or grade level.
• Features could be:
  • children's advancement when they demonstrate understanding
  • personalised pacing.

Curriculum-aligned programs

• Focus: follows a formal curriculum (state, national or international standards).
• Features could be:
  • structured lesson plans
  • assessment aligned with official benchmarks
  • often used for children who may transition back to traditional schooling.

Experiential learning

• Focus: hands-on experiences (excursions, experiments, internships)
• Features could be:
  • connects theory to practice
  • builds practical skills alongside academic knowledge.

Goal-based learning

• Focus: tailored to specific outcomes (e.g., improving reading, improving writing skills, mastering addition within 1,000, preparing for a career path)
• Features could be:
  • individualised learning plans
  • flexible timelines
  • progress tracked against personal or academic goals.

Hybrid or blended learning

• Focus: mix of online resources and offline activities.
• Features could be:
  • access to digital tools and community programs
  • flexible scheduling.

Inquiry-based learning

• Focus: Driven by child curiosity and questions.
• Features could be:
  • encourages research and exploration
  • parent acts as a facilitator rather than a teacher
  • great for fostering independent thinking.

Project-based learning (PBL)

• Focus: Learning through real-world projects and problem-solving.
• Features could be:
  • interdisciplinary approach (combines maths, science, language arts)
  • emphasises critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration.

Thematic or unit studies

• Focus: Organises learning around a central theme (e.g., “Space Exploration”).
• Features could be:
  • integrates multiple subjects under one topic
  • allows deep dives into areas of interest.

Child-led learning or unschooling

• Focus: Child-led learning driven by interests and real-life experiences.
• Features could be:
  • learning emerges naturally through daily activities, hobbies, and exploration
  • encourages curiosity, self-motivation, and critical thinking
  • parent acts as a facilitator, providing resources and opportunities rather than structured lessons.