Our outdoor classrooms and
The Ian Potter WILD PLAY Garden are places where children get the chance to explore, discover, and learn at their own pace – creating the necessary connection to their surroundings.
All education and community programs in Centennial Park are based on the philosophy and pedagogy of Nature Connection and Nature Play.
Bush School
Bush School is based on research and concepts from international best practice in nature education as well as current education models such as Forest Schools and Nature Kindergartens.
Although the Bush School program has been developed and informed by international best practice it is a uniquely Australian concept in that it is based on the heritage and ecology of our unique landscape.
What happens in a Bush School lesson?
Our sessions include storytelling, a nature based activity, free play (climbing, digging, imagination, creativity) and nature games.
Bush School program
Bush School children will engage with a range of nature play activities changing every 5 weeks. Discover the activities for the upcoming sessions.
Bush School incursions and excursions are available for schools, pre-schools and child care centres. These can be tailored to different age groups and can be booked for a time and date that suits the group.
Nature Play programs for older kids
We have
school holiday full day programs for children 5-12years including nature and art, shelter building, park discovery and orientation and more.
All programs can be booked through our
What's on page.
For group bookings, send an email to
education@gsp.nsw.gov.au.
Parent feedback
Read what Samantha has to say about her daughter’s Bush School experience:
“She has made so many amazing gains in language, in social skills, in perseverance, in motor skills… Your program is in such a beautiful gathering place in nature to learn and practice respect and appreciation for two of our most important resources, each other and the earth.”