Following Passions, Building Skills

Update: When this post was first written, nuro co offered five project-based learning experiences. The approach hasn’t changed — but the collection has grown. There are now 12 interest-led projects available for Years 5–6, each designed around the same principles of deep engagement, flexible pathways, and skill-building through passion.

Flexible homeschool projects for every kind of learner.

One of the best things about homeschooling is the freedom to follow your child’s unique interests. Instead of sticking to rigid lessons, you can create a learning journey that grows with them - shaped by what excites, motivates, and sparks curiosity.

That’s exactly how we design nuro co projects. Each one is flexible, open-ended, and neuro-affirming, so learners can take the activities in their own direction. Whether your child is passionate about animals, games, the environment, or creative self-expression, there’s space for them to dive in and make the project their own.

With five projects now live - Zine Zone, Animal Rescue, Game Makers, Cosplay Quest, and Planet Protectors - we thought we’d take a look at how each one offers a different pathway for learning.

Zine Zone: Creativity and Voice

Zines are small, self-published booklets that kids can fill with anything they like - stories, artwork, poems, even guides to their favourite fandom. In Zine Zone, learners explore the joy of creating and sharing their ideas with others.

Some might design a zine full of drawings, while others might write about a cause they care about. Whatever they choose, they’re building literacy, communication, and creative expression along the way.

Animal Rescue: Compassion and Environment

In Animal Rescue Centre, learners step into the role of caretakers. They begin by choosing their own animal to focus on, then design shelters and habitats that meet its needs. Along the way, they explore what animals require to thrive and think about the human impact on the environment.

Some children might be drawn to the science of ecosystems, while others pour their energy into the design and wellbeing side of the project. However they approach it, they’re developing empathy and environmental awareness.

Game Makers: Systems and Play

Many kids love playing games - but designing one is a whole new adventure. Game Makers invites learners to move from player to creator, experimenting with rules, systems, and storytelling.

Some might craft a board game out of cardboard and dice, while others design a role-playing adventure or even build a digital level. Every version involves problem-solving, iteration, and design thinking.

Cosplay Quest: Identity and Imagination

For learners who love characters, fandom, or dressing up, Cosplay Quest is a chance to bring those passions into their learning. Over the weeks, they’ll research, sketch, plan, and make their own costume - inspired by a favourite character or a brand-new design of their own.

Some kids will focus on the sewing and crafting side, others on character research or performance. However they approach it, they’re building confidence, practical skills, and creative identity.

Planet Protectors: Action and Global Thinking

In Planet Protectors HQ, learners take on secret missions to care for the Earth. Each week brings a new “brief” - from investigating ecosystems to tackling waste or designing eco-friendly inventions.

Some might dive deep into experiments and data, while others use art, writing, or storytelling to raise awareness. The project shows that every learner can take action in their own way.

Following Their Path

When you step back, these five projects might look very different. But they share a common thread: each one is flexible enough for learners to shape it around their own passions.

Homeschooling doesn’t have to mean ticking boxes or pushing through worksheets. With projects like these, your child can follow their curiosity - and still build literacy, numeracy, science, creative arts and more along the way.

Ready for the Next Adventure?

Since writing this, the nuro co project library has expanded to 12 full projects for Years 5–6. Each one applies these same ideas in different contexts — from animals and environmental action to design, storytelling, systems, and creative making.

You can explore the full range of projects here - Years 5 - 6 Projects