Kirkdale School

Kirkdale School (1964 - 1980s) was a small, independent free school located in Sydenham, South London, UK. During the whole of the school's existence it was run as a parent/teacher co-operative.

Kirkdale is one of several free schools to have been established in the UK in the twentieth century. Others include (Sands School in Devon, Summerhill in Suffolk and Kilquhanity School in the Scottish Borders).

Unlike some free schools, Kirkdale was not established in a rural idyll but within a small plot in a working class, multicultural area of inner London (Lewisham).

History

The School was founded in 1964, essentially through the decision of a small group of parents that a radical alternative to the "traditional" local schools was necessary.

Philosophy

The philosophy of Kirkdale was heavily influenced by the writing and ideas of A.S. Neill, who founded Summerhill school; essentially that children learn best with freedom from coercion (free-range). All lessons were optional, and pupils were free to choose what to do with their time. The school had daily school meetings where pupils and staff alike had an equal voice in the decisions that affected their day-to-day lives, including changing school laws. Meetings were also an opportunity for the community to vote on a course of action e.g. punishments for bullying.

Further reading

* Powlesland, J. and S. "Kirkdale: an experience in education by self regulation", Stamboeknummer (2002)

* "The Education Revolution" #32 Spring/Summer 2001 (The Magazine of the Alternative Education Resource Organization).

* Various authors. "Summerhill: For And Against", A collection of essays, arguing both in favour and against Summerhill's (and Kirkdale's) approach.

* A.S. Neill. "Summerhill". A book about the school and its philosophy, by the school's founder.

External links

*http://www.summerhillschool.co.uk (English)

See also

* Free schools
*Democratic school
* Collaborative learning