On this episode of 20Twenty, Kale Kneale joined us to discuss the increasing popularity of homeschooling in Australia, where there are now an estimated 43,000 registered students. Kale is the founder of Kingdom Thinkers Academy, which focuses on bringing a Biblical perspective and a unified approach into the world of education.
Kale, a former drummer for the Christian band New Empire, shifted his career from music to teaching after noticing that school curriculums had become too political and lacked Biblical principles. He believes that this shift is negatively affecting students’ moral and spiritual development. ‘From a global perspective and seeing different places,’ says Kale, ‘I’m so thankful for the avenue it provided. Because it certainly impacted my views in education meeting different people and having those conversations.’
Kale sees a need for a teaching approach that not only covers important academic subjects but also supports faith development. He started Kingdom Thinkers Academy to help teachers, parents, and students learn more about their beliefs. Kale successfully balanced careers in music and education, gaining valuable insights from both fields.
‘The decisions that I’ve made within the educational space,’ says Kale, ‘come from a place of asking Lord, where do you want me to go with this? Do you want me to apply for this role? Is it my job to be in some sort of leadership position? Whatever it is, make it be less of me, more of You, and put me where You need me to be.’
A Unified Approach to Education
Performing and travelling around the world helped shape Kale’s views on education by exposing him to different cultures. He described an unexpected moment during a holiday in the Pacific Islands that inspired him to become a teacher, which he felt was guided by God. ‘It was literally that time where the clouds opened up, and I and I felt the Lord say, primary school teaching. And so I remember leaving that island going, I know exactly what I’m doing when I get back.’
Kale thinks many teachers today feel stressed and unsure about how to combine Biblical teachings into their lessons. He believes that strict state education requirements often make it hard to include faith-based learning. This has led him to push for a more unified approach to education. One that weaves Christian values throughout the entire curriculum instead of keeping them as separate topics.
Kale emphasises the importance of teaching children to see the world through a Biblical lens. It’s not just about memorising facts. Christianity should be a primary part of a child’s education, not something that is just taught occasionally.
Parents and teachers are expressing their concerns about traditional schooling more and more. Many of them support homeschooling as a way to teach Christian values without outside interference. But Kane offers personalised lessons and online courses, making education accessible and focussed on a Biblical perspective.
‘How are we teaching children to view the world?’ says Kale. ‘Especially, in light of what Scripture says and from a Biblical perspective. I think that something drastic needs to happen. For it to change in schools is a slow process. But this space in the homeschooling world, we can do it now.’
Listen to Kale’s full interview below:
