Summerhill School - 2 views
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papola on 23 Aug 14Summerhill is a democratic, self-governing school in which the adults and children have equal status. The daily life of the school is governed by the school Meetings, usually held twice a week in which everybody has an equal vote. The school's philosophy is to allow freedom for the individual - each child being able take their own path in life, and following their own interests to develop into the person that they personally feel that they are meant to be. This leads to an inner self-confidence and real acceptance of themselves as individuals. All of this is done within the school's structure of self-government through school meetings which are at the core of the school and emphasise the distinction between freedom and licence. Living life in a community is of great importance to the pupils here. Through this they learn to compromise, communicate, negotiate and assume responsibility. It also teaches them empathy and a consideration for the feelings of others. The adults and children have equal status in the school but, of course, they have very different roles. Everybody in the school is aware of the responsibilities that the adults have and which the children are not subject to. The atmosphere of the school is informal and first names are always used. The school is international, reflecting the extent of A.S. Neill's continuing influence in the world. -
papola on 23 Aug 14Esta escuela lleva más de 90 años en funcionamiento. Es interesante analizar qué ha sido de los alumnos que pasaron por ella. "After Summerhill: What happened to the pupils of Britain's most radical school?" ----> Summerhillians join outer society with a strong sense of self-confidence. They tend to be remarkably honest. They tend to choose professions with creative elements. They dislike "people who have the power and no imagination", in the words of Danë Goodsman (p. 152). They dislike hierarchical work organizations which can be nasty and petty. In personal life they prefer choices which emphasise their freedom. For instance they prefer relationships without formal marriage. Their attitude to sex and nudity is unproblematic. Gender equality is seen as something natural. Summerhillians don't value formal educational achievements. The school gave them the ability to learn by living: not to be afraid of life. Summerhill may not be perfect in every aspect but it has kept important ideas of freedom alive.
