Conference calls for Stronger Student Voice

Conference calls for Stronger Student Voice

12/02/2009

The UK education system is pushing schools towards standardisation and an all-beige one size fits all approach. Recent change has focussed on controls, systems and testing rather than the young people at its centre.

These are just some of the themes emerging from a conference on innovative education 'Celebrate the Difference' organised by Frensham Heights and Bedales schools on 12 February 2009. Students and staff from 13 of the UK's more progressive schools met to discuss and debate the future of education.

Keynote speaker Dr Martin Stephen, High Master of St Paul's School, said:

“Our education system is in meltdown. We need the more innovative schools to introduce new ideas and to challenge the outdated ones. This isn't about ripping up the rule book, but about listening to our students, and treating them as partners rather than passive recipients of education.”

Independent schools have always been a source of ideas and inspiration for the wider sector, for example, in co-educational boarding, pastoral care and the importance of the creative arts, which have now been adopted into main stream education. Fuelling that innovation is the small number of more progressive schools like Bedales and Frensham Heights - which were founded during periods of uncertainty to challenge the perceived wisdom of their times - and are re-asserting their influence 100+ years later.

Andrew Fisher, Headmaster of Frensham Heights and conference host said:

“Our like-minded schools came together to share ideas and to discuss how to advance them collectively. We aim to create individuals who are going to make a difference in a complex world with serious global problems. Rather than stifle creativity, we encourage our students to see and think through problems differently. Our humane student-centred approach is needed now more than ever.”

A recurring theme at the conference was a strong 'student voice' in schools. This included student involvement in teacher appraisal and development of the curriculum; more sustainable approaches to school management, and the introduction of alternative qualifications like the Bedales Assessed Courses.

This conference was one the first of its kind involving staff and students working together on an equal footing and will become an annual event to advance innovative ideas in education. Bedales will host the conference in 2010.

Notes:

1.  The conference programme included:

• Key-note speech from Dr Martin Stephen, High Master of St Paul's
• Historical context with John Atkinson, Frensham Heights
• Parallel student and staff discussions on the challenges facing a progressive education
• Student led session on 'what do we want from our education?'

1. Schools represented included: Frensham Heights; Bedales; St Paul's ; King Alfred; Newton Prep; Leighton Park; University College (School); Bootham; Sidcot; Bryanston; Sands; Lewes New and Dunhurst (Bedales Junior).

1. For media enquiries, please contact Rob Reynolds at Bedales or
   Rosellen Mates at Frensham Heights.

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