A firm foundation for life-long learning Tambelin strives to provide children with a firm foundation for life-long learning. To achieve this, all parents need to actively assist in the administration of the school and participate in school activities. The philosophy of the school is for children to be happy in the learning environment. Crucial to this, is that each child is regarded as an individual. A low student to staff ratio and limited class numbers provides the opportunity for focus on the individual. Children are encouraged to develop at their own pace and to realise their full potential in a non-competitive atmosphere. In this way, it is possible to extend gifted children and to reduce pressure on the less able. Tambelin is modelled on a small country school where children of different ages interact and learn within two classroom groups. The two groups are Years K–2 and Years 3-6.