Episodi

  • The World Is Your Classroom: Travel Schooling with The Slow Road | 040

    The World Is Your Classroom: Travel Schooling with The Slow Road | 040
    Jan 30 2026
    What happens when you swap the classroom for the open road? In this episode of the Future Learners podcast, we meet Kirianna from The Slow Road family, who shares how they balance education with adventure while living in a vintage 1962 Volkswagen Combi. Currently travelling in Japan with her husband Lockie and their three children, Kirianna offers a glimpse into the world of travel schooling. Kirianna discusses their philosophy of “slow learning,” practical strategies for offline education, and how they integrate real-world experiences into their Euka curriculum. Her insights provide inspiration for families considering travel schooling or simply wanting to bring more flexibility and real-world connection into their homeschooling journey. Key Points: Travel Schooling Definition: Family of five travels in 1962 VW Combi “Izzy”Currently based in Japan; children aged 9, 6, and 3 Philosophy of Slow Learning: Taking things at life’s pace; learning through play and explorationFlexible scheduling that works with each child’s natural rhythms Practical Strategies: Print worksheets and box resources by term for offline learning Integrate real-world experiences (markets, monuments, trains) into curriculum Euka Support: Downloadable and printable resources suit travel lifestyleResponsive support team; YouTube tutorials for getting organised Introduction to Travel Schooling The world really can be your classroom. For Kirianna and her family of five, this isn’t just a motto—it’s their daily reality. Living in a vintage 1962 Volkswagen split-screen Combi named Izzy, they’ve discovered that learning doesn’t need four walls. It just needs curiosity, flexibility, and the right support. Currently in Japan with her husband Lockie and their three children—Riley (9), Alba (6), and Elsie (3)—Kirianna shared how they balance exploration with education, and why travel schooling has become their family’s way of life. The Slow Road Family and Their Journey Kirianna and Lockie’s journey into travel schooling wasn’t always the plan. Both coming from aviation backgrounds, they’d always had the travel bug. They started travelling just before COVID, initially wanting to see more of Australia. What began as an adventure evolved into something more permanent when they realised their son Riley needed an education approach that suited his active, outdoorsy nature. “We just tried to search for ways where we could educate him to be an outdoorsy boy, still get out and explore the world, but also have a stable homeschooling background,” Kirianna explained. Their research led them to Euka. The COVID pandemic, while challenging for many, actually helped normalise their lifestyle choice. “Everyone could see that kids could still be outdoors and learn, or still travel,” Kirianna reflected. This shift in perspective gave them confidence to commit to travel schooling as a long-term approach. “Learning is just a part of life. We are all natural learners and enthusiastic learners.”— Kirianna, The Slow Road Philosophy of Slow Learning The family’s approach centres on what Kirianna calls “slow learning”—a philosophy that extends beyond education into their entire lifestyle. Living in a vintage Combi naturally takes you back a few years, she notes. The family tries to live like they’re back in the 1960s: getting muddy, learning through play, and connecting with different cultures. “I think the slow aspect comes from just taking things as life can,” Kirianna shared. “From a little boy, we figured that he just needed to take his time with his learning and really grasp his surroundings. That would build this foundation for him to grow and learn at his own pace.” This philosophy recognises that children—particularly active boys like Riley—often need flexibility. Rather than forcing extended periods of desk work, the family works with their children’s natural rhythms. A morning worksheet, followed by time to run, swim, and explore, then returning to learning when energy has been expended and focus is restored. Integrating Learning with Travel One of the biggest questions families have about travel schooling is practical: how do you actually blend education with exploration? Kirianna shared how they make learning relevant by connecting it to real-world experiences. When Alba had a geography worksheet about Cairns, she could draw on her experience of actually snorkelling there. In Japan, the children learn about currencies and money by using train cards and shopping at markets. They visit monuments like Tokyo’s Sky Tree and connect those experiences to their Euka lessons. “A lot of the times we will go on an excursion and somehow, without even realising it, it kind of falls into our Euka learning,” Kirianna noted. This approach answers the question children naturally ask—”Why do I need to know this?”—immediately and tangibly. “Riley needs the flexibility to play...
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    23 min
  • Inside the NSW Homeschooling Audit: What It Means for Families | 039

    Inside the NSW Homeschooling Audit: What It Means for Families | 039
    Oct 10 2025

    Host Brett Campbell, CEO of Euka Future Learning, joins co-founder and Head of Education, Ellen Brown, to unpack the findings from the recent Alternative School Settings and Homeschooling Performance Audit compiled by the New South Wales Auditor-General.

    Together, they explore the growing challenges families face with registration delays, the reasons behind the surge in homeschooling, and what these findings mean for parents.

    Brett and Ellen share their insights on how the system can evolve, offer practical solutions for families navigating the process, and discuss Euka’s vision for a more supportive, flexible future of learning in Australia.

    Key Points:

    Homeschooling in NSW is on the rise

    • Homeschooling across New South Wales has grown rapidly, with registrations increasing by 116% since 2019.

    Families are choosing homeschooling for their child’s wellbeing

    • Many parents make the switch not by choice, but out of necessity. Bullying, anxiety, or unmet learning needs often push families to look for a safer, more nurturing environment where their child can thrive.

    The registration process needs streamlining

    • Currently, registration can take up to 65 days – a long wait for families ready to start a new chapter. During this time, children are still legally required to attend mainstream school, leaving families feeling uncertain and caught between systems.

    The system needs compassionate reform

    • Homeschooling reform in NSW can be improved with clearer pathways, faster processing times, and an approach that recognises each family’s unique circumstances.
    transcript

    The post Inside the NSW Homeschooling Audit: What It Means for Families | 039 appeared first on Euka.
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    35 min
  • He earns 30K a year and homeschools | 038

    He earns 30K a year and homeschools | 038
    Feb 14 2025

    Host Brett Campbell speaks with Brent and Maverick about their journey into homeschooling and why they chose an alternative to traditional schooling. They discuss misconceptions about homeschooling, the flexibility of Grade 11 & 12 homeschooling, and how it helped them balance study, work, and future goals.

    They also highlight the importance of family support and how homeschooling can create stronger relationships while preparing students for university pathways and career opportunities.

    Tune into this episode on Apple Podcasts here.

    Key Points:

    Every child deserves an education, and it can look different for everyone.
    The decision to homeschool often arises from a lack of fulfilment in traditional schooling.
    Misconceptions about socialisation in homeschooling can be addressed through community engagement.
    Flexibility in homeschooling allows for a more personalised learning experience.
    Building strong family relationships is a significant benefit of homeschooling.
    Parents should be prepared to adjust their approach as they navigate homeschooling.
    Finding the right educational provider can alleviate concerns about homeschooling.
    Homeschooling can provide opportunities for real-world experiences and responsibilities.
    Maintaining a balance between work and education is essential in a homeschooling environment.
    The homeschooling journey can lead to personal growth for both parents and children.

    Follow Euka on Socials

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    Tune into this episode on Apple Podcasts here.

    transcript

    The post He earns 30K a year and homeschools | 038 appeared first on Euka.
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    35 min
  • What you need to know about homeschooling in 2025 | 037

    What you need to know about homeschooling in 2025 | 037
    Jan 23 2025

    In this episode of Future Learners, hosts Brett and Ellen discuss the upcoming homeschooling year, offering insights and tips for both new and existing homeschooling families. They emphasise the importance of planning ahead, celebrating milestones, and fostering community connections. The conversation also highlights personal growth for parents and the exciting developments coming to Euka in 2025.

    Tune into this episode on Apple Podcasts here.

    Key Points:

    Planning Ahead: Preparing early is key to a successful homeschooling year.

    Starting the Conversation: Discussing homeschooling goals and expectations helps set the tone for the year.

    Reflecting on Progress: Evaluating what worked and what didn’t last year ensures continuous improvement.

    Celebrating Milestones: Recognising achievements can make the homeschooling experience more rewarding.

    Community Connections: Building relationships with local groups can provide valuable support and opportunities.

    Flexible Learning: Homeschooling allows families to customise education to suit their child’s unique needs.

    Euka’s Expansion: New resources and features are being introduced to enhance the homeschooling journey.

    Engaging Locally: Collaborating with community groups can unlock new experiences for children.

    Exciting Changes: 2025 will bring innovative updates to Euka’s platform, improving the learning experience.

    Follow Euka on Socials

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    Follow our host and Euka CEO Brett on Socials

    Facebook

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    Tune into this episode on Apple Podcasts here.

    transcript

    The post What you need to know about homeschooling in 2025 | 037 appeared first on Euka.
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    28 min
  • Is School Going “WOKE”? | 036

    Is School Going “WOKE”? | 036
    Sep 18 2024

    Brett Campbell and Ellen Brown discuss the growing concerns among parents regarding the influence of educational philosophies that emphasise social and political issues in the school curriculum. They delve into the shift from traditional core subjects to more socially driven content, sparking debates about whether this aligns with parents’ values and how it affects children’s development. The discussion also touches on the increasing number of families choosing homeschooling as a response to these concerns, allowing them to control the curriculum and timing of sensitive topics for their children.

    Tune into this episode on Apple Podcasts here.

    Key Points:

    Educational Shift: The curriculum is moving away from traditional subjects toward more socially and politically driven content.

    Parental Concerns: Many parents are worried about the introduction of social topics at an age they consider too young.

    Homeschooling Response: Some parents are turning to homeschooling to have more control over the curriculum and timing of certain topics.

    Impact of Social Media: Children are increasingly exposed to complex topics through social media at a young age.

    Teacher Influence: There is concern about teachers shaping children’s beliefs beyond academic subjects.

    Parental Involvement: The episode urges parents to take a more active role in understanding and guiding their children’s education.

    The post Is School Going “WOKE”? | 036 appeared first on Euka.
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    27 min
  • The “True” Reasons families homeschool? | 035

    The “True” Reasons families homeschool? | 035
    Sep 18 2024

    Brett and Ellen explore the real motivations behind why families choose homeschooling. They dive into the evolving perceptions and diverse reasons that drive families to embrace this educational path, debunking old stereotypes and highlighting the flexibility and benefits that homeschooling offers today.

    Tune into this episode on Apple Podcasts here.

    Key Points:

    Evolving Perceptions of Homeschooling:

    • Homeschooling is no longer just for religious or culturally motivated families; it has become a mainstream choice for a variety of reasons.

    Flexibility for Traveling Families:

    • Many families choose homeschooling to accommodate travel, providing children with a rich, experiential education on the road.

    Support for Talented or Gifted Students:

    • Homeschooling allows gifted or talented students to advance at their own pace, tailoring their education to their specific strengths.

    Addressing Special Needs:

    • Homeschooling offers individualised learning plans that better support students with special needs or learning challenges.

    Escape from Bullying:

    • A significant number of families turn to homeschooling to remove their children from harmful environments where bullying is prevalent.

    Lifestyle and Philosophical Choices:

    • For some, homeschooling is a proactive choice to align education with family values, health, and well-being.

    The post The “True” Reasons families homeschool? | 035 appeared first on Euka.
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    36 min
  • What you need to know about Registration and Reporting when Homeschooling | 034

    What you need to know about Registration and Reporting when Homeschooling | 034
    Aug 7 2024

    Brett and Ellen dive into the essential aspects of homeschooling, focusing on the critical processes of registration and reporting. They provide comprehensive insights into what parents need to know to successfully navigate these requirements, ensuring their children receive a quality education at home.

    Tune into this episode on Apple Podcasts here.

    Key Points:

    Understanding Registration:

    • Registration involves notifying the Department of Education or the homeschooling unit about your educational plans for the year.

    Steps for Registration:

    • Parents must submit a learning plan, application form, and sometimes a timetable, outlining how they will cover the curriculum.

    Registration Timing:

    • The registration process is smoother if planned in advance, ideally two months ahead, but emergency situations have different protocols.

    Government Reporting:

    • Reporting involves demonstrating that the child has met the curriculum requirements over the year through collected work samples and assessments.

    Assessment and Documentation:

    • Parents need to provide samples of the child’s work, aligned with curriculum points, along with observations of their progress.

    Utilising Resources:

    • Euka offers services to ease the burden of registration and reporting, ensuring all necessary documentation is compiled and aligned with the curriculum.

    The post What you need to know about Registration and Reporting when Homeschooling | 034 appeared first on Euka.
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    32 min
  • Travel Schooling: Everything you need to know | 033

    Travel Schooling: Everything you need to know | 033
    Jul 17 2024

    Brett and Ellen delve into the concept of travel schooling, where education is seamlessly integrated with travel experiences. They explore the numerous benefits, practical strategies, and unique opportunities that travel schooling offers. This episode provides essential insights for families considering this flexible approach to education, covering how to incorporate travel into the curriculum, the importance of planning, and available support for families on this educational journey.

    Tune into this episode on Apple Podcasts here.

    Key Points:

    Definition of Travel Schooling:

    • Combining homeschooling with travelling, using the journey as an educational resource.

    Benefits of Travel Schooling:

    • Learning about history, geography, and culture through direct experiences at travel destinations.

    Practical Tips for Travel Schooling:

    • Prepare essential supplies and digital resources for times without internet access.

    Planning and Preparation:

    • Regularly plan your week to balance travel and education effectively.

    Compliance and Registration:

    • Understand registration requirements and compliance issues for homeschooling while travelling.

    Social Aspects:

    • Connect with other travel schooling families to build a supportive network

    The post Travel Schooling: Everything you need to know | 033 appeared first on Euka.
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    54 min