Afterschool Programme: Woodworking Course

Less worksheet. More workshop.



8 to 16 years     11 x 2 hours Class size 1 to 5 guests    

  $660 (Afterpay available)

Step 1 – Design and Measure

Step 1 – Design and Measure

Start by designing their project and measuring materials carefully, learning to think like a maker.


Step 2 – Cutting and Tool Confidence

Step 2 – Cutting and Tool Confidence

Using hand tools, children cut, shape, and refine their wood, focusing on precision and safety.


Step 3 – Problem-Solving and Shaping

Step 3 – Problem-Solving and Shaping

Working through small challenges, gaining confidence and independence while using real tools under close guidance.


Step 4 – Assembly and Finishing

Step 4 – Assembly and Finishing

Assembling and finishing their projects, sanding and applying a protective finish to create something durable and beautiful.


Step 5 – Finished Project and Pride

Step 5 – Finished Project and Pride

Everyone leaves with a high-quality wooden item they made themselves, taking home a project they can use and be proud of.


Real Tools, Real Projects, Real Growth
A small-group afterschool programme where children aged 8-16 design, build, and finish real wooden projects using real tools.
Rooted in the Scandinavian Sløyd tradition - the belief that making things by hand builds confidence, independence, and character.
How it works:
  • 11 consecutive sessions across Term 2, Thursdays and/or Fridays at 4pm-6pm, Dee Why.
  • Each child works on their own project at their own pace.
  • Beginners are supported from the ground up; returners are challenged with added complexity. Maximum 5 students per session.
  • You have the option to build one of our suggested projects, or your child can bring their own idea - expectations and complexity are always adjusted to skill level.
  • Projects progress over one or several sessions depending on complexity. Some children finish one project and start another. Others spend the whole term on something substantial. Both are valid.
  • This is a drop-off programme - children work independently in a calm, supervised environment.
What they'll do:
  • Design and measure: workable plans, accurate marking, a maker's mindset
  • Cut and shape: hand tools, plus supervised power tools for older or more experienced students
  • Problem-solve, adjust, and fit: making parts meet, work, and last
  • Assemble and finish: sanding, detailing, protective finishes
  • Take home: a polished, functional project built entirely by them
What they'll learn:
Woodworking is applied academics - the school subjects, brought to life and held in their hands.
  • Maths: fractions, decimals, measurement, angles, ratios
  • Physics: forces, leverage, load-bearing, material properties
  • Design thinking: planning, iteration, sequencing, checking fit before committing
  • Communication: technical vocabulary, following instructions, presenting finished work
  • Executive function: focus, patience, task persistence, safe risk-taking, problem-solving, big picture thinking, decision-making
Basically: Less worksheet. More workshop.
Why parents choose Ask & Embla:
  • Small by design: Maximum 5 students means every child is seen, supported, and appropriately challenged. No child gets lost in the group.
  • Visible progress: Parents see the project develop week to week. There is no guessing whether it was a good session.
  • Screen-free and genuinely hands-on: Woodworking is naturally grounding. Most children who struggle to focus in conventional settings find their stride here.
  • Safe, structured, calm: Age-appropriate tools, PPE, clear rules, and gradual tool introduction. The workspace is tidy and well-organised because that is part of the craft.
Safety & qualifications:
  • Current Working With Children Check
  • First Aid certified
  • Age-appropriate tools, PPE, and gradual tool introduction
Missed Sessions:
Life happens. If your child needs to miss a week, they are welcome to attend one of our Sunday sessions to continue their project at no extra cost. Just let us know in advance so we can plan safely around numbers.
Not quite what you're looking for?
Every child is different - and so is every family's situation. If you're interested in what we do but this particular format doesn't quite fit, get in touch. We're flexible and love working out solutions that suit the child. Whether it's timing, structure, or something else entirely, it's always worth a conversation.
What you'll get
  • All timber, materials and safety gear.
  • Step-by-step guidance across design, measuring, cutting, shaping, assembling and finishing.
  • A functional wooden project to take home - built by them, made to last.
Knowledge required
Open to all skill levels; projects grow with the maker.
Session repeats

This class series runs over 11 consecutive sessions, at the same time every week.

Suitable for

Suitable for kids from 8 to 16 years old.

Adult accompaniment is not required.


FAQ

My child has never done woodworking - is that okay?
Absolutely! No experience needed. We start with the basics and build from there.
My child already has experience - will they be challenged?
Yes. We add complexity, new techniques and design choices so returners continue to level up.
Do different ages work together?
Yes - but each child works at their own level. An 8-year-old and a 16-year-old will be working on different challenges within the same session.
See more FAQs   
What should they wear?
Closed shoes and clothes that can get dusty. We provide everything else.
What if my child has trouble focusing?
Woodworking is naturally grounding and the environment is intentionally calm and small. Most children who find conventional settings difficult tend to thrive here.
Can siblings or friends book together?
Definitely - as long as spots are available. Small classes (max 5 students) fill fast.
Can my child re-enrol for the following term?
Yes - existing students have first priority when spots open for the next term.
Location

The Builders Club, Dee Why - 5 Redman Road, Dee Why NSW

Located on the corner of Redman Rd and Francis St, Dee Why. Street parking available.

Afterschool Programme: Woodworking Course location
Verified reviews



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Your teacher

Ask & Embla Wood Co
Ask & Embla Wood Co

5.0 (16)

Sindre is a Norwegian maker, tinkerer, and parent, with a background in engineering and community programs. After stepping away from corporate life, he chose to focus on what mattered most to him: working with his hands, sharing his passion for woodworking, and helping children experience the satisfaction of creating something real.
Sindre believes woodworking is more than making objects. It’s about slowing down, problem-solving, and building confidence through doing. As a parent, he understands that children learn best when they’re given time, guidance, and space to explore.
Sessions follow Scandinavian principles of simplicity and functionality. Children work independently but with guidance, developing patience, attention to detail, and practical skills in a small, supportive group.
Sindre holds a current Working With Children Check, ensuring every session is safe, welcoming, and thoughtfully run.

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ClassBento has verified that Ask & Embla Wood Co has a valid Working with Children Check clearance.

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