What we do
Our work
Local
At the heart of the Institute’s work is a deep commitment to ensuring that Woodleigh School’s learning model remains responsive to the needs of its learners, the aspirations of its community, and the evolving world around them. We actively support the development of programs and practices that reflect the school’s mission, helping to shape a dynamic, future-focused educational experience.
Within the school, the Institute plays a key role in leading and supporting strategic planning, professional learning, and innovation initiatives. This work includes facilitating whole-school inquiry processes, designing and delivering staff development programs, and guiding the implementation of future-focused projects that align with the school’s educational philosophy and strategic direction.
Global
The Institute drives transformative change in education by leading and supporting impactful initiatives across regional, national, and international contexts. We design and facilitate projects, partnerships, and programs that inspire transformative approaches to learning and leadership.
Through immersive workshops, retreats, leadership courses, and innovative events, we bring together educators, researchers, students, and thought leaders to explore fresh possibilities. Our vibrant learning community is a space for inquiry, reflection, and collaboration where participants co-create practices that respond to the complex challenges of our time.
Our approach
Regenerative Learning
Our practice and research are grounded in relational and systems perspectives of learning.
We understand that the development of knowledge, skills, understanding, and purpose are interrelated and emergent from the relationships that we have with ourselves, others, and the places where we live.
We apply this view to exploring the role that education can play in building the capacity of young people to contribute to the thriving of people, places, and our planet.
Our spaces
The Springs
The Springs Farm and Homestead is a unique learning and gathering place nestled on a historic 10-acre property at Woodleigh School. Originally built in the 1800s, the homestead and its thoughtfully renovated farm buildings now serve as vibrant spaces for learning, collaboration, and community connection. With indoor learning spaces, meeting rooms, outdoor classrooms, and shady verandahs, The Springs provides a creative and welcoming environment that supports creativity, reflection, and dialogue.
TThe Springs is the home to the Institute’s office and the principal venue for its workshops and programs. From this peaceful and inspiring setting, the Institute team leads strategic initiatives, designs professional learning experiences, and facilitates collaborative inquiry with educators, students, and community partners. It is also the base for the Center for Systems Awareness Australia, a regionally grounded, globally connected network for individuals, teams, and organisations to engage in compassionate systems change.
The Futures Studio
The Futures Studio at Woodleigh School’s Senior Campus is more than a learning space - it’s a living ecosystem. Inside, this world-first space features five flexible learning areas, staff amenities, and a communal kitchen that fosters connection and collaboration. Outside, aquaponic tanks with native species and a green roof planted with indigenous vegetation provide hands-on ecological learning and support local biodiversity. The building contributes to environmental regeneration by sequestering carbon, filtering pollution, and purifying the air through breathable cork facades and native plantings.
The Futures Studio is home to the school’s innovative Regenerative Futures program. The program sees students engage in interdisciplinary, project-based learning that addresses real-world challenges through the lenses of regeneration, systems thinking, and social innovation. Guided by educators and mentors, they collaborate on long-term inquiries, prototype responses to complex challenges, and reflect critically on the influence of their work. The program empowers students to become active contributors to a more just and regenerative future, equipping them with the skills, mindsets, and ethical awareness needed to navigate and shape a rapidly changing world.