Our programs are designed to nurture curiosity, creativity, confidence and connection through real experiences. Whether students are creating a theatre performance, exploring a coastline, designing a costume, growing food, or contributing to a community project, they are developing the same essential skills: observing, listening, collaborating, reflecting and creating.
Rather than separating learning into subjects, we bring together the arts, nature, culture and community to create experiences that are hands-on, purposeful and deeply memorable.
Our educational philosophy is grounded in embodied learning—the understanding that young people learn best when they are actively involved in the process. We encourage learners to ask questions, solve problems, work together, take creative risks and develop meaningful relationships with people and place.
Our programs are organised into four interconnected learning pathways:
Performance
Building confidence, communication and collaboration through musical theatre, drama and performance.
Creative Arts
Developing imagination, craftsmanship and creative thinking through visual arts, costume design, making and exhibitions.
Blue Space Learning
Exploring the ocean as a place of inquiry through surfing, environmental observation, storytelling, field journaling and coastal ecology.
Land-Based Learning
Connecting with gardens, food systems, biodiversity and regenerative practices through permaculture and nature-based experiences.
Although each pathway offers different experiences, they all share the same purpose: to help young people become curious thinkers, capable creators and engaged members of their communities.
Term 4 Timetable
2D Studio
2D Art Studio | Ages 6–9
A creative, hands-on introduction to drawing, painting, collage and printmaking for children aged 6–9 years.
Young artists will explore a wide range of 2D art techniques through imaginative projects and playful experimentation. They will work with drawing materials, paint, paper, found materials, printing tools and mixed media to discover different ways of making and expressing ideas.
Each session introduces new skills and possibilities, including drawing, painting, collage, pattern, texture, colour and simple printmaking techniques.
The focus is on exploration, confidence and creative expression, rather than creating a perfect finished artwork. Children are encouraged to experiment, make their own choices and discover what happens when different materials and techniques are combined.
A relaxed studio environment gives young artists the freedom to get messy, try new things, develop their skills and enjoy the process of making.
2D Art Studio | Emerging Artists | Ages 10–17
A more independent art studio program for young people aged 10–17 years who want to develop their skills and explore their own creative ideas.
Students will work across a range of 2D practices including drawing, painting, collage, mixed media and printmaking, developing both technical skills and their individual artistic style.
Projects will introduce different artists, techniques, materials and approaches while encouraging students to experiment and make their own creative decisions. Students may work from observation, imagination, personal experience or ideas they want to explore.
Rather than simply following step-by-step projects, students will learn to develop concepts, experiment with materials, take creative risks and refine their work. They will have opportunities to combine techniques and develop more resolved artworks over time.
The studio provides a supportive environment where young people can build confidence, develop their visual language and begin to think more independently as artists.
Arts Afternoon
Craft with Hayley
Ages 6–14 years
Wednesdays | 2:00–4:00pm
Location: Cooroy Community Gardens
A relaxed afternoon of making, creating and experimenting with Hayley.
Each week children will explore different creative activities, materials and techniques, with plenty of opportunity to use their imagination, develop practical skills and make something of their own.
Musical Theatre with Grace
Ages 6–14 years
Wednesdays | 2:00–5:00pm
Location: Cooroy Community Gardens
A fun and creative afternoon of musical theatre with Grace, combining singing, acting, movement and performance.
Children will build confidence, develop performance skills and work together to create and rehearse a theatrical piece in a supportive and energetic environment.
Musical Theatre and Crafternoon run concurrently, giving families the option of choosing the program that best suits their child.
Performing Arts with Grace
PERFORMING ARTS WITH GRACE
WEDNESDAY AFTERNOONS | COOROY COMMUNITY GARDENS
AGES 6–9
2:00–4:00pm
AGES 10–16
3:00–5:00pm
A creative, hands-on performing arts program where young people learn drama skills, build confidence and work together to create their own original play.
Led by Grace, students explore character development, storytelling, improvisation, movement, voice and performance while developing their own ideas for the stage.
Younger students will focus on playful drama, imaginative storytelling and creating characters and scenes together. Older students will take their ideas further, developing stories, writing dialogue, shaping characters and working collaboratively towards a finished performance.
Students will explore:
Drama games and improvisation
Character creation and development
Voice, movement and stage presence
Storytelling and script writing
Creating scenes and dialogue
Working as an ensemble
Developing and rehearsing an original play
Confidence, creativity and communication
No previous drama experience is required.
A welcoming space for young people who love performing, making up stories, being creative or simply want to try something new.
Clay Studio
Clay Studio | Ages 6–9
A playful, hands-on introduction to working with clay for children aged 6–9 years.
Young artists will explore the possibilities of clay through imaginative projects, experimentation and making. Each session introduces different techniques such as hand-building, coiling, pinching, texturing and sculpting, while encouraging children to develop their own ideas and creative voice.
The focus is on process, curiosity and experimentation rather than making everything “perfect”. Children will learn how clay behaves, how to build strong forms and how to transform simple pieces of clay into functional objects, creatures, sculptures and artworks.
A relaxed studio environment gives children the freedom to get messy, try things out, solve problems and enjoy making with their hands.
Clay Studio | Emerging Artists | Ages 10–17
A more independent studio experience for young people aged 10–17 years who are ready to develop their ceramic practice.
Students will develop practical clay skills while exploring their own ideas, interests and artistic style. Projects may include hand-building, sculptural work, functional ceramics, surface design, texture, form and glazing.
Rather than simply following step-by-step projects, students are encouraged to design, experiment, problem-solve and make creative decisions for themselves. They will learn how to develop an idea from sketch or concept through to a finished ceramic piece.
The studio provides space for young people to slow down, work with their hands and develop confidence through experimentation. Students can build their skills and develop their own creative voice while learning the foundations of working independently in a ceramics studio.
Blue Space Learning Program
Blue Space Learning is a place-based youth education program connecting young people with the ocean, waterways, culture and community through immersive learning experiences on the Sunshine Coast.
Designed for a small group of passionate young people aged 10–16, this 9-week pilot program invites participants to explore the ocean as a classroom — developing deeper connections with place, strengthening environmental awareness, and learning from ocean practitioners, artists, scientists and cultural knowledge holders.
Through surfing, snorkelling, storytelling, ecological observation, creative practice and cultural exchange, students will investigate the relationship between people and the sea. They will learn to listen deeply to the natural world, understand local ecosystems, and explore how traditional knowledge, contemporary science and creative expression can work together to care for our blue spaces.
The program includes excursions throughout the region, including coastal environments, waterways, wetlands and national parks, alongside studio-based reflection and creative responses. Students will build skills in research, writing, observation, collaboration and environmental stewardship while developing their own relationship with the ocean.
Blue Space Learning is inspired by the understanding that healthy oceans create healthy communities. By slowing down, paying attention and learning from the places around us, young people are encouraged to become thoughtful custodians, storytellers and future leaders for our coastal environments.
Program themes include:
Ocean literacy and marine ecology
Cultural connection to Country and Sea Country
Surfing, water confidence and ocean safety
Deep listening and observation practices
Creative storytelling and environmental art
Sustainability and community action
Connecting local knowledge with global ocean perspectives
Term 4 2026 Pilot
A limited number of places are available for this inaugural fellowship-style program. Participants are selected for their curiosity, commitment, independence, love of the ocean and willingness to engage deeply with the learning journey.
Blue Space Learning is an initiative of Parados Education, developed in collaboration with local ocean educators, artists, environmental organisations and cultural knowledge holders.
Large-scale Puppet Making
A 4-week puppet-making program where young artists design, build and animate large-scale puppets inspired by nature, ocean, and the principles of honourable harvest. Through storytelling, recycled materials and collaborative performance, participants explore creativity, sustainability and the idea that everything we receive from the Earth is a gift.