Real Education

Description

The author spent two years travelling the world visiting schools with a difference, each offering an education in which respect for the individual child is central. The variety of schools is astonishing, yet each shows that children do better when they are allowed to think for themselves.

“David Gribble, who taught for many years at Dartington Hall, has combed the world for what he calls “real education”. He has found some fascinating examples of schools set up by individual teachers or groups of parents committed to respond to children’s real interests and needs, and aiming to provide an education in human relationships and responsibilities and creativity as well as academic development.

At a time when schools with child-centred and progressive instincts are keeping their heads well below the parapet, it is salutary to be reminded that there is a life beyond the new juggernaut of national curriculum and assessment and league tables.”

Reviewed by Virginia Makins as book of the week
The Times Educational Supplement, July 3 rd 1998