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> A.S.Neill Summerhill trust > history |
...where the whole school deals democratically with issues...
As a result of Neill's philosophy, I've got two fabulous,
thoughtful, brilliant kids. I retain a strong sense of justice that
I developed at Summerhill, a belief in the intrinsic worth of every
person, a belief that every member of a community has a right to be
heard. I'm a very good citizen. Tony Blair would be proud of me. Everything you say in the meeting counts and there are no grudges
afterwards. The meeting is important because you know what's going on and
you are able to change things that you disagree with. I go to the meetings so I know what is going on in the school and
to sort our problems between people. Obviously I don't agree with everything in the meeting but I
can say if I don't like it. I think the meeting at Summerhill is one of the core aspects of maintaining
social dynamics. The meetings provide a space in the busy community
life where people can connect with the community as a whole to deal
with all the practicalities like a check up. As well as serving a practical
purpose, it empowers kids to deal with their own issues and their own
lives, and it's obvious what a unique learning experience that
is. It could be argued that democratic participation is just an excuse
to let kids rule the world, but I think it's about establishing
and maintaining mutual respect between human beings. If there is a
situation of mutual respect then there's nothing to be scared
of.
The convention of the Rights of the Child makes particular reference
to children's rights to participate in decisions affecting them
and Summerhill, through its very approach to education, embodies this
right in a way that surpasses expectation. At Summerhill the pupils would fight to the death for their right
to govern themselves. In my opinion, one weekly General School Meeting
is of more value than a week's curriculum of school subjects. Where you can play all day if you want to...> | |
To allow children to live in a community that supports them and that
they are responsible for; in which they have the freedom to be themselves,
and have the power to change community life, through the democratic process.
All individuals create their own set of values based on the community
within which they live. Summerhill is a community which takes responsibility
itself. Problems are discussed and resolved through openness, democracy
and social action. All members of the community, adults and children,
irrespective of age, are equal in terms of this process.
Pupil democracy isn't exactly new-look at Summerhill School,
the Suffolk independent school that trail-blazed it decades ago.