Firstly, following a lecture and tutorial on the philosophy of education, I've confirmed that I'm still a hippy at heart, totally in line with the philosophy of Summerhill School, and longing for more schools to be like that, and opportunities for that kind of education to be available for those who could never afford it. Curious to see how any of its principles and approaches could be used in a mainstream school. I just love the simple message that schools should be places of happiness; that happier children = happier adults = happier world because most crime and bad stuff is done by unhappy people. Of course happiness would be born out of a world of justice too in my philosophy.
Secondly, that there are lots and lots of great non-fiction books I have read that I had never considered studying with pupils at school, which I'm very excited about. I love the potential to engage students in what they are interested, which may not be Victorian Gothic literature, but could be travel or true crime literature.
Third, that I'm getting a bit anxious at the prospect of even more marking coming the way of English teachers under the new arrangements for National 4 and National 5, and the new literacy assessments that are done in S3.
And had lots of thoughts about blogs and sharing thoughts on a public forum. This blog is happening as part of a homework task in an ICT option I've taken this term. More on that to follow...
Third, that I'm getting a bit anxious at the prospect of even more marking coming the way of English teachers under the new arrangements for National 4 and National 5, and the new literacy assessments that are done in S3.
And had lots of thoughts about blogs and sharing thoughts on a public forum. This blog is happening as part of a homework task in an ICT option I've taken this term. More on that to follow...
Hi Rachel
ReplyDeleteGreat news about that first essay. I was hooked on Summerhill too but now reckon we have to change mainstream schools to a similar ethos if not a similar structure. I like what psychologist Alan McLean (Motivating Every Learner) says about raising attainment when he talks about the real differential is in pupil and staff well being. Create a 'happy' school' and attainment will rise.
Keep up the good work!
Thanks Colin, I'll look up Alan McLean, sounds interesting. How possible do you think it would be to change the ethos of mainstream schools? Do you think there is a desire for that kind of ethos in senior managers of schools in Scotland?
ReplyDeleteYoumight be able to track down a second hand copy of "The Unbowed Head" http://www.amazon.co.uk/Unbowed-Head-Summerhill-Academy-1968-74/dp/0904919099/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1328272981&sr=8-1 which describes an attempt to introduce some Summerhill principles into a Scottish mainstream comprehensive school.
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