About Global Village Learning
What is Global Village Learning (GVL)?
GVL is a secular, learner-led, future-focused learning community. We operate without uniforms, bells, grades, or year levels, creating an environment where curiosity leads, adults guide, and every young person learns in the real world.
Why the name ‘Global Village Learning’? Are you an international corporation?
No, we’re not an overseas corporation. We are based in Victoria, Australia. The name reflects our belief that learning should be connected—to community, country, and the wider world. We are proudly based in Victoria, Australia.
Why don’t you call yourself a school?
We believe education should be a community-driven experience. As the saying goes, “It takes a village to raise a child.” We’ve built a learning village—a vibrant, community-led environment where learning is lived, not just taught.
Are you moving from New Gisborne to Castlemaine?
No. We’re expanding. New Gisborne remains our flagship campus (F–12), while Castlemaine will serve as a vibrant 11–16+ campus, opening in 2026 at the Old Castlemaine Gaol.
Educational Philosophy and Approach
What is your educational philosophy?
Our approach is grounded in Self-Determination Theory, focusing on agency, mastery, and community connection. We use our EDventurous Design Principles—Personalised, Empowered, Action-Based, Connected, Organic, and Adventurous—as the foundation for all decisions and learning design.
Are you a Montessori or Steiner school?
We are Montessori-inspired, but not bound to any one model. At Global Village Learning (GVL), we draw on the best of many educational traditions—including Montessori, Reggio Emilia, place-based learning, and inquiry-based approaches—to create a learner-led, future-focused environment.
Formerly known as Gisborne Montessori School, we rebranded to Global Village Learning to better reflect who we are today: a connected, evolving learning community committed to real-world learning, personal growth, and community impact for young people aged 4–20.
What kind of alternative education do you offer?
GVL offers a learner-led, purpose-driven, project-based environment tailored to young people’s interests, capabilities, and goals.
Why do you call your teachers ‘Guides’?
Because they walk alongside learners rather than stand in front. Guides support inquiry, co-design learning experiences, and help young people pursue their passions.
What is the UnBoundEd model?
UnBoundEd is our unique model where learners are in the community four days a week, doing real things with real people. One day a week is kept for rest, reflection, or remote collaboration.
Learners and Learning
What ages do you cater for?
GVL welcomes learners from 4 to 20 years old, grouped by developmental stages:
- Foundations & Play (4–8)
- Exploration & Discovery (7–12)
- Entrepreneurship & Social Impact (11–16)
- Pathways & Futures (15–20)
Is GVL just for neurodivergent learners?
GVL is inclusive and welcoming to all learners. Many neurodivergent young people thrive here due to our flexible, responsive, and strengths-based model.
How is literacy and numeracy taught?
Through hands-on, real-world projects supported by expert literacy and numeracy coaches. Skills are embedded into meaningful experiences.
How do you measure progress?
There are no grades, exams, or standardised tests. Learners maintain a portfolio and meet every five weeks for a Learning Huddle to reflect, plan, and celebrate growth.
What are Learning Huddles?
These are structured goal-setting and reflection sessions between the learner, their family, and their Guide. They replace parent-teacher interviews with something deeper and more personal.
Do learners have homework?
Not unless they choose to continue their projects at home. Learning happens deeply during the day; we encourage rest and balance at home.
Do you offer the VCE?
Yes. In our Pathways & Futures Hub, learners can complete the VCE Vocational Major or Victorian Pathways Certificate. These options allow access to further education, apprenticeships, or employment—without needing an ATAR.
Can young people go to university after GVL?
Yes. Many universities accept learners via portfolio entry or interview. We support each learner to pursue the path that fits their goals through our Pathways & Futures Hub.
How do learners transition between Learning Hubs?
Transitions are based on readiness, not age. A learner moves between hubs when they demonstrate capability through portfolio work, self-assessment, and shared decision-making at Huddles.
Will my child fall behind academically?
Quite the opposite. Our mastery-based approach ensures deep, authentic learning. Learners progress at their own pace with high levels of engagement and ownership.
Do you follow the Australian Curriculum?
Yes. All GVL learning experiences align with the Australian Curriculum (Version 9), including literacy, numeracy, science, the arts, HASS, and physical education—just taught in an integrated and purposeful way.
Community and Participation
How do I enrol my child?
Submit an Expression of Interest at gvl.vic.edu.au and we’ll guide you through a personalised enrolment process.
What does it cost?
GVL uses a sliding fee scale based on financial capacity. We are committed to accessibility—no family is turned away for financial reasons.
Can adults be involved?
Yes! Adults can join as learners, mentors, volunteers, or community partners. Our model is intergenerational and inclusive.
Do you follow traditional school terms?
No. GVL runs on continuous learning cycles with planned breaks for rest and reflection. Learning happens all year but honours natural rhythms.
Do you offer holiday programs?
We offer immersive events and experiences during the year, but not standard school holiday care. Our cycles already include space for renewal.
Can I donate or support your work?
Yes, please! You can contribute financially, offer time or skills, sponsor a learner, or host a workshop.
New Gisborne Campus
Where is the New Gisborne Campus located?
Our New Gisborne campus is situated in the Macedon Ranges, Victoria. It’s easily accessible from the Calder Freeway and serves as our flagship site for learners aged 4–20.
What ages do you enrol at the New Gisborne Campus?
We cater for learners from 4 to 20 years of age across all four of our Developmental Learning Hubs:
- Foundations & Play (4–8)
- Exploration & Discovery (7–12)
- Entrepreneurship & Social Impact (11–16)
- Pathways & Futures (15–20)
Is New Gisborne a full F–12 campus?
Yes. New Gisborne is designed to be a full F–12 campus, including the delivery of the VCE Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways Certificate for senior learners. We also support learners beyond Year 12 as they transition into adult learning, enterprise, or further study.
Is there a waitlist for the New Gisborne Campus?
Some hubs have limited places and may have a waitlist. We encourage families to submit an Expression of Interest early to start the conversation and secure a place.
What facilities are available at New Gisborne?
Our campus includes flexible indoor learning hubs, outdoor nature spaces, a community kitchen, studio and maker spaces, and access to local community and bushland for offsite learning.
What does a typical day look like at New Gisborne?
Each day includes core skill-building in literacy, numeracy, and physical wellbeing in the morning, followed by real-world projects, community engagement, and time for personal interests. The day is designed to be flexible and responsive to each learner’s needs.
Is transport or a bus service available?
We currently do not offer a dedicated bus service, but many families carpool and we’re always exploring community-based transport solutions. Let us know your needs in your Expression of Interest.
How do you transition learners into GVL at New Gisborne?
We work closely with each family to create a tailored transition plan. This includes welcome visits, gradual orientation, and connection with peers and guides in a supportive, paced way.
How do I enrol my child at New Gisborne?
Complete an Expression of Interest via gvl.vic.edu.au. Our team will then be in touch to arrange a tour and a conversation about your child’s learning journey.
Castlemaine Gaol Project
Did GVL purchase the Old Castlemaine Gaol?
Yes. The site is being regenerated into a living learning hub—a place of art, community, culture, and enterprise.
Why a gaol?
It’s a powerful act of reimagining. A place once used for confinement is becoming a place of possibility, learning, and transformation.
What will happen at the site?
Studios, creative spaces, youth enterprise, storytelling, exhibitions, hospitality training, workshops, and more. It will be a beacon for real-world learning.
Is it safe for children?
Yes. Child safety is non-negotiable. The site is being carefully designed with separate secure zones for learners, full compliance, and accessibility.
How often will it be open?
The Castlemaine site will operate year-round with programs, events, and open access to the broader community.
Can I rent a studio or run a workshop there?
Yes. We offer affordable and collaborative arrangements where creatives can mentor in return for discounted access.
Will there be food and drink?
Yes. The site includes a café and commercial kitchen, which will support hospitality programs and community gatherings.
Can I visit the site?
Absolutely. Public events, open days, and seasonal showcases will be held regularly.
Are First Nations stories being acknowledged?
Yes. We acknowledge the Dja Dja Wurrung people and are actively co-designing programs that centre First Nations voices and knowledge
UnBounded Program
What is UnBoundEd?
UnBoundEd is GVL’s unique learning model where young people spend most of their time learning beyond the four walls of a classroom—out in the community, in nature, and in real-world environments. It’s hands-on, purposeful, and deeply connected to real life.
Why is it called UnBoundEd?
The name reflects our belief that learning should be unbounded—not confined by classrooms, rigid timetables, or outdated curriculum structures. It’s about education that is expansive, integrated, and lived.
How many days a week are learners offsite?
Typically, learners engage in offsite learning four days per week, depending on their developmental hub and learning plans. The fifth day is used flexibly for rest, digital collaboration, deep work, or reflection at home.
What kinds of things do learners do in the community?
It depends on the learner and their goals. Activities might include:
- Visiting local businesses and community groups
- Interviewing experts for EDventurous Projects
- Volunteering or engaging in service
- Exploring nature and local history
- Attending exhibitions, maker spaces, or markets
- Participating in entrepreneurial or social impact projects
Is UnBoundEd just “excursions” every day?
No. This is not a series of outings. UnBoundEd is structured, goal-oriented, and aligned to each learner’s developmental needs and learning plan. Community-based learning is purposeful and documented in their portfolio.
How is safety managed during UnBoundEd learning?
All UnBoundEd activities are planned and risk-assessed in line with our Child Safety Framework. Learners are supported by Guides and high-quality adults, and older learners are gradually supported to take increasing responsibility for managing their time safely.
Do learners still cover the curriculum in UnBoundEd?
Yes. All UnBoundEd experiences are mapped to the Australian Curriculum. Literacy, numeracy, science, the arts, technologies, and more are embedded in real-world contexts.
Does UnBoundEd work for neurodivergent learners?
Very often, yes. The flexibility, movement, and sensory variety of UnBoundEd learning can be ideal for neurodivergent young people. We tailor plans to meet each learner’s sensory and emotional regulation needs.
How do families stay informed about what’s happening in UnBoundEd time?
Learners document their progress in their portfolios and share reflections in Learning Huddles every five weeks. Families can also view updates via Compass, Seesaw, or directly from Guides.
Can new learners start straight into UnBoundEd?
We usually support new learners with a gradual transition. This includes time on campus, supported offsite visits, and building confidence before moving into more independent UnBoundEd learning.
