Through My Eyes: Kilkenny Primary School South Australia

1973, 31 Minutes

An observational documentary without narration that depicts revolutionary teaching and learning techniques in a South Australian primary school during the early 1970s.

The film shows three classes and their young teachers converging and then separating into smaller groups, to explore mathematics, history and music. The school does not regiment the students, who don’t face a blackboard or wear school uniforms. They study standing, sitting or sprawled on the floor, with very little overt supervision or discipline shown by the teachers.

Despite the unorthodox teaching methods, perhaps because of them, the students appear to be thoroughly engaged in the learning experience.

Produced for the Australian Department of Education. © 2011 National Film and Sound Archive of Australia.