A typical Summerhill day.

This is a timetable for an ordinary weekday at the school. Naturally, regular times are sometimes changed by the Meeting or for some other reason. In particular, the bedtime laws are the subject of much discussion and are changed quite often. Remember also, while reading this, that just because a period is scheduled as being for “lessons” does not mean that any pupil must attend lessons then. It only means that there are lessons available which pupils may attend if they wish. (Generally pupils sign up for courses of lessons in the particular subjects that interest them at the moment, if any, and then go to most of the lessons in those courses.)

Breakfast is at 8:00 until 8:45. You have to be up and dressed by 8:30 or the “Beddies Officers” can fine you. A typical fine might be: back of the lunch queue, or half-hour work fine.

At 9:30 lessons begin. The older children “sign-up” for various subjects and then follow a timetable, just as in most other schools (except that classes are not compulsory). Children below the age of 12 go to class 1 (aged 5-10) or class 2 (aged 10-12). These have there own teachers and classrooms with multi-activity spaces. Their teacher can provide a timetable for the week, or organise activities in response to the children's needs and wishes. For art, science and foreign languages the children can choose to attend specialist lessons with the relevant specialist teachers. There are also English as Additional Language lessons, which new non-English speakers are encouraged to attend.

The range of subjects offered include: Science (Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Astronomy); Maths; English; French, German, Japanese; Woodwork; Art and pottery; Drama; History; Geography

Each sign-up student is given a blank timetable at the beginning of term in which they write their lessons. The timetable is changed from term to term depending on the choices of the kids and the subjects offered to them. The principle of the timetable is to allow children to learn what they want. It leads to a structured day, with lessons starting at 9:30 and ending at 1:10. A computerised bell announces lessons. Each teacher keeps a register, but the children are able to choose to attend lessons or not, depending on what they want to do. We do not send reports to parents unless requested - and then only with the child’s permission.

The specialist teachers are given a lot of independence in their classrooms, in terms of teaching method and objectives. But teachers are expected, by the students, to be able to teach their subjects up to GCSE (national English exams for 16 year olds).

During a normal day, children can choose to go to lessons, or do anything else. There are rules that stop you from sleeping during the day, watching TV during lessons, and you cannot go down town before 12:30.

Mid morning we have a 20-minute break for tea. Lunch is served in two sittings, the first at 12:30 - the second at 1:15.

After lunch is free time. You can play pool in the sitting room, hang out in the cafe, study on the computers, make a hut in the woods, play games, read, play tennis, go swimming (open air and therefore only in summer). Tea is at 3:30 - a cup of tea and a sandwich or biscuits.

At 4:30 the afternoon classes begin. These are more activities than classes - they are not exam orientated. Subjects range from French conversation to building a fence for the pigs! Supper is at 5:30 and 6:15. After that there are any numbers of things to do. Some days it may be “gram” (disco), or maybe something has been organised by the “social committee” (games). On Tuesday evening we have our Tribunal and on Friday afternoon our General Meeting.

An evening snack, “Evening Breakfast” (cereal) is served at 9: 30.

Bedtimes range from 8:00 (lights out at 9:00) for the smallest (or “San”) kids, to 11:30 (lights can stay on) for the oldest (“Carriage”) kids. Elected “Beddies Officers” put you to bed.

<== попередня сторінка	\|	наступна сторінка ==>
SUMMERHILL: the early days	\|	Other regular events

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