Free Learning Inspiring intellectual curiosity at Dulwich College Some eight years ago Dr. Joe Spence coined a term to describe his passion for all sorts of learning beyond the curriculum, “free learning”. Free Learning has come to be seen as integral to a Dulwich education and has been embraced by pupils, teachers and parents. It’s also impacting on learning beyond Dulwich. Building skills beyond exams
How do we ensure our students cultivate interests that define them away from their public exams and help prepare them for life beyond school? Free Learning does just that by providing learning opportunities that are freely engaged in by students and teachers, driven by individual interests and that are relevant, knowledge-rich and which develop the skills our pupils will need in the future. What is Free Learning?
It is learning that extends beyond and is free from a syllabus and from examination, and that challenges pupils to think for themselves. It is fed by intellectual curiosity, often supported by the interest and enthusiasm of a teacher or peer-mentor, and it is frequently interdisciplinary in nature; it breaks through the compartmentalisation of learning that subject syllabuses can impose. It also allows the possibility of failure, from which pupils learn important lessons. It is about making connections, challenging what we know, and about learning how to avoid following the herd. Where is Free Learning experienced?
Within academic lesson time, in its simplest form it might be a teacher embracing the natural interest of the class, and extending knowledge and thought beyond the syllabus. In Chemistry, for example, the teacher may be encouraged through pupil questioning to discuss 2-D proton NMR, rather than the simple high-resolution spectra presented on the syllabus. Too often in our classrooms pupils are told that their questions are interesting but not relevant; sometimes allowing time for those “red herring” questions can reap 50 | EDUCATION CHOICES MAGAZINE | S P R I N G 2 02 2
Recently I asked every member of my SMT “What does Free Learning mean to you?” From all the excellent responses the one that particularly resonated identified that Free Learning is where individual interest and passion is fuelled, links are made beyond the curriculum and a deeper understanding is achieved, not just of the world but of ourselves.
massive intellectual rewards. Embedded within the timetable at Dulwich is A Level Plus in Year 12 where pupils can choose from over 25 courses ranging from Astrophysics to 21st century Geopolitics. In Year 13 pupils elect to study one of 28 Liberal Studies courses which include topics such as Film and Feminism and Post-War Modernism, and teaching is shared with local schools, JAGS and Sydenham High GDST. These courses are designed by teachers, led by their interests and expertise, and provide an undergraduate-like depth of knowledge. Beyond the classroom a vibrant union of over 60 societies provides extensive opportunities; in Poultry Society pupils consider the sustainable production of meat and learn about farming; in LGBT+ Society pupils question prejudice and explore the history of LGBT+ rights. The STEAM societies, such as Engineering, Art and the Literary Society, host external speakers and prepare students for national and international competitions. Pupils are encouraged to establish their own societies if their interests are not served; recent additions include Dismantling Society and BrewSoc (for Upper School pupils only). These societies offer pupils an opportunity to lead, develop communication skills, to connect with professionals outside school, and to learn from each other. The talks and workshops of annual Symposia raise student
