About us
We are a self-directed learning environment for young people aged 9 - 16 based in Sheffield.
We are a safe space where young people can choose what, when and how they learn based on what feels right to them.
We are not a school, so we don't have classrooms, teachers or an imposed curriculum.
Community
Being a part of a community is a central part of the self-directed learning experience. We provide a democratically-operated space in which young people can be themselves, build and navigate relationships, and feel a sense of belonging. We believe that young people and families that choose to walk self-directed and consent-based path, deserve the opportunity to do so within a community.
The Learning Group
Each young person is assigned a learning group, which is ideally 5 or 6 young people of a similar age with an adult learning adviser.
The idea of the learning group is that each person can plan their own learning with support from the others.
This group will meet every week and give everyone the chance to review their progress from the last week and set new goals for the upcoming week.
The Glass: a rigid structure, but freedom within it.
Learning Advisers (not teachers!)
Adults who are present are advisers not teachers. They help guide the young people through the following steps:
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Working out their learning needs
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Deciding on learning goals
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Identifying ways to learning
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Choosing learning strategies
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Evaluating learning outcomes
A goal without a plan is just a wish
Learning Agreement
Our learners are given help to come up with a plan. During the first week we go through a series of questions that the young learners answer. Each person is able to answer these questions in any way that they want:
1) Where have I been?
2) Where am I now?
3) Where do I want to get to?
4) How will I get there?
5) How will I know if I've arrived?
The answers to these questions form the basis of a learning agreement which is written and agreed between the learning adviser and the young person.
The young person is free to change their goals, but it should be agreed through discussion with their Learning Adviser and Learning Group.