Good Dharma Primary

Grade 1-4 / 6 up to 10 years

At Good Dharma we see each child as a change maker, thinker, and explorer, ready to blossom in an environment that encourages curiosity, action, and connection

Our journey began with a vision to create a new approach to education, one that breaks away from the traditional classroom model. We believe that learning should be hands-on, immersive, and connected to the world around us. At Good Dharma, we focus on bringing education to life through experiential and inquiry based learning, where students are encouraged to explore, discover, and create. Our classrooms extend beyond four walls, embracing the outdoors as an integral part of the learning environment.

At Good Dharma we ensure age appropriate learning objectives across all subjects such as literacy & math but also diving deep into biology, history, science, sports, community and creativity - however our approach to education is not confined to textbooks; it’s a dynamic, ever-evolving journey where learning happens through experience, Through this approach, we aim to empower children to become active, engaged learners, ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow with confidence and passion..

At Good Dharma, we blend progressive education principles with time-tested learning methods, ensuring a well-rounded foundation in literacy, numeracy, science, and the arts.

Why Choose Good Dharma?

✔ Inquiry-Based Learning: Our curriculum fosters critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving through hands-on experiences.
✔ Small Class Sizes: Personalized attention ensures that every child’s unique strengths are nurtured.
✔ Holistic Education: We balance academics with arts, music, outdoor play, and mindfulness.
✔ Multicultural Environment: Our diverse and inclusive community prepares children for a global future.
✔ Nature-Inspired Learning Spaces: From lush gardens to creative classrooms, our environment sparks imagination and joy.

A Community That Grows Together

Learning at Good Dharma is not a solitary path—it is a shared adventure. Our interwoven community of children, teachers, and families creates an enriching environment where growth is nurtured through strong relationships, mutual respect, and a deep appreciation for the world around us.

Beyond the classroom, our community regularly connects in meaningful ways, whether at the beach, in nature, or through shared celebrations. At least twice a month, we come together at Good Dharma to foster this sense of togetherness. Once a month, we host a cultural festival, where children invite their parents to join school activities for a collaborative and immersive experience. These gatherings create space for learning, creativity, and appreciation of diverse traditions.

One such example is our World Water Day celebration, this where children, parents, and teachers spend the morning exploring the significance of water—asking questions like Why is water important? Where can we find it? How can we nurture and protect this essential resource? Together, we gathered water and used it to plant Kumbuk trees, a sacred species in Sri Lanka, known for its ability to purify water and sustain ecosystems. Through this hands-on experience, our community not only learned about environmental stewardship but also felt the impact of collective action and care for the planet.

At Good Dharma, community is at the heart of everything we do. These shared experiences strengthen our bonds, deepen our understanding, and remind us that learning is most powerful when it is lived together.

"Where curiosity leads, and learning follows."

A Learning Approach Rooted in Inquiry and Action

At Good Dharma, learning is more than acquiring knowledge—it’s about engaging with the world, thinking critically, and taking action. Our primary learners regularly explore local and global issues, brainstorming creative solutions and actively contributing to their community. For instance, during an inquiry into the environment, children identified the need for a rubbish bin in the car park and led the initiative to have one installed. Another day the children discovered a small mouse on campus, it sparked an unexpected yet meaningful conversation about life, death, and compassion. Guided by curiosity and empathy, they reflected on the cycle of life and the importance of kindness. Wanting to honor the little creature, they chose to create a small flower grave—a gesture that embodied their deep sense of care and community.

These moments are just two example of how our ethos comes to life in daily practice, nurturing emotional intelligence, respect for all living beings, and the natural curiosity that fuels meaningful learning. Moments like these showcase the power of student-led action and the importance of nurturing responsible, empathetic citizens.

Weekly Community Workshops: Learning from Our Village

At Good Dharma, we believe that education thrives when it is rooted in real-world experiences and enriched by the wisdom of the community. Every week, we invite parents, local artisans, and role models to lead community workshops, offering children the chance to explore new skills, traditions, and creative expressions.

These workshops introduce children to a diverse range of activities, from hands-on crafts to movement and storytelling. They might spend a morning weaving with coconut leaves, learning how natural materials can be transformed into useful objects, or get their hands messy making homemade pasta, discovering the joy of creating food from scratch. Other weeks, they may practice karate, gaining confidence and discipline, or explore the rhythms of traditional and progressive dance, connecting movement to culture and self-expression.

Music and rhythm also play an important role in these workshops, with sessions dedicated to drumming, where children experience the power of percussion, coordination, and collective sound-making. Through drumming, they connect with cultural traditions, develop a sense of rhythm, and express themselves in a way that is both physical and emotional.

By learning directly from skilled members of the community, children develop not only practical abilities but also a deeper appreciation for craftsmanship, heritage, and collaboration. These sessions are a celebration of shared knowledge, where every participant—child and adult alike—becomes both a teacher and a learner.

Through our weekly community workshops, we create a space of belonging, we are all in this together like one big family—an education shaped by the collective wisdom of the village that surrounds us.