It never would have happened if Dave hadn’t be unceremoniously forced out of his job merely because he valued his bodily autonomy. It was a stake through the heart. Loyalty we’d harboured towards the school for the past seven years, suddenly evaporated.

We needed another solution.

The question tentatively presented itself… what about homeschooling?

It was like standing before an ornately carved door and wondering what lay on the other side.

Naively, I assumed homeschooling was something ‘other people’ did. People who were happy to let their children waltz through their pre-teen years still clinging to raggedy comforters and sporting uneven haircuts. I was aware of all the stereotypes but none of the reality. I certainly didn’t appreciate how popular homeschooling was becoming, and that our own suburb happened to be the unofficial alternative education capital of Victoria.

I wasn’t sure if we were the ‘type’ that would settle in well to the educational sea-change. Mostly the kids were enjoying their traditional school experience. They certainly hadn’t been tainted by any sense of anxiety in returning to the classroom. Homeschooling would mean a significant change to their social life and the effectual destruction of mine… was it worth it?

I’m an introvert who values a strict routine. My version of ‘adventure’ includes having an extra coffee before 12 or reading a particularly exciting book.

I knew that in order for the pendulum to swing far enough, we would need to aim beyond my comfort zone.

We came up with the name ‘Adventure School’.

For the past few months now, we have been engaged in this curious experiment. What curriculum should we use? What routine works best? How do we tick off all the learning areas each week? How can we make this fun?

And somehow it seems to be working.

When you cast off the idea that school is responsible for taking care of everything, suddenly the world takes on a different hue. Each experience has the potential for exploration – cooking incorporates maths, art and science; visiting a local exquisite garden brings botany alive. We visit historical homesteads and mansions, tear off pieces of a freshly baked baguette at a French festival and wander through shadowed halls peopled with the ghosts of servants past. On the way, we drink in mythology (from the renowned podcast Greeking Out), raise our eyebrows at the antics of infamous icons (Homeschool History) and marvel at the compositions of child prodigies (Classics for Kids).

At times, I wonder at the gaps of my own supposedly comprehensive education and appreciate afresh how brilliant and wide the world really is.

Sure, there are moments of chaos. Tantrums over expectations of work and the realisation that the one thing homeschool can really never replace is the constant interaction of classmates. Losing a child in the vast monolith of Fountain Gate, having to creatively reimagine what grocery shopping looks like with three children.

But gradually, we begin to make this thing our own. Fine-tuning balances and honing in on weaknesses. Establishing priorities and following the breadcrumbs of curiosity. It is a constant process of checking in, of being present and taking responsibility.

I’ve had to rethink everything. From how to get chores and errands done, to ensuring my own downtime in the midst of being constantly surrounded by children. The questions present themselves daily: how do I manage health appointments and a broken arm? Who takes over when I’m struck down with the flu? How do I juggle having some kids at school and some at home?

The thing is…. I’m (mostly) loving it. It feels purposeful and filled with wonder. I may not have as much time for writing or blogging, but the regular instagram reels and recaps help capture the narrative along the way. Let’s face it, overlaying an evocative soundtrack makes anything seem more majestic.

We have a long way to go in really mastering the reality of homeschool, but we’re up for the challenge. With God as our strength and ever-present help in times of peace and trouble, we will rise and give it everything we’ve got.

Follow along on the adventure @hughesadventureschool.