Kurt Hahn?

[wonderingwondering]

Does anyone have any views on (or experience of) his educational philosophy?

Thanks.

Was he the chap that founded the United World Colleges?

Yes, or they follow his philosophy, at least. I have an option of a UWC for my children, so wanted to know a bit more.

I don't know a great deal about them these days, but did apply to them for sixth form and failed to get in.

Over the years I have heard that the sixth form experience is very isolating, but whether that is true of all the colleges, I do not know.

I'm looking at Infant/Junior level, but the philosophy appealed. Wondered how that translated into reality!

He founded the German boarding school 'Schule Schloss Salem' of which I've heard positive experiences. Anything particularly that you'd like to know?

Just how 'alternative' it is. I like the sound of the social responsibility awareness, but any downsides? And what about the mixed international feel - good or confusing for very young children?

So you are talking about UWCSEA? It is a great school,one of the best, if you can get a place. Waiting lists can be long. Not as alternative as it sounds, particularly at primary level. Did not used to be a good school for children with special needs but apparently is now much better.

Yes, we're visiting there in the next few weeks, but wouldn't be starting for a while so have time to sit on a waiting list!

How does it compare to the more British schools in Singapore?

Wasn't he headmaster of Gordonstoun where Prince Charles went and hated, not that has anything to do with the school itself!

Tanglin and UWCSEA are both excellent schools with long waiting lists. My experience is from 3 years ago. Would have been happy for my children to be at either. You need to go and look at both, see where you think your children will be happiest. These are the only 2 schools that I have direct knowledge of.

Abbotsholme School in Staffs is a Kurt Hahn school,linked to Gordonstoun

I went there

I went to a Round Square school, members of which sign up to the philosopies of Kurt Hahn. I wouldn't have described it as "alternative" in the slightest, pretty typical English boarding school really, but with lots of compulsary activities and community work, and lots of exchange students! I would say that his educational philosophies are extremely sound, but the degree to which different Round Square schools execute them varies hugely.

Thanks. We're going out for a look next week, but hadn't really come across the philosophy before. But it appealed to me, so wondered whether it was fairly mainstream (in the way that Montessori is pretty widely accepted) as opposed to, say, Steiner schools, which divide opinion a bit more.

IME it's not a weirdy philosphy-type thing - he was into community service, working together, lots of outdoors-ey stuff. Not an educational philosphy per se, more a (IMO) fairly healthy way of living.
Agree though it does depend on how individual schools interpret it (but not as widely varying as I understand something like Steiner is). Hahn most definately mainstream . the Dof E scheme is based on the Duke of Edinburgh's experiences at Gordonstoun - so physical activities, community service, expeditions (in my case being dumped in the middle of nowhere in the Scottish Highands, on Friday afternoon, and being told, "we're picking you up 30 miles away on Sunday...bye..." ), that kind of thing.

My grandad went to his school in Berlin. But that was in the 1930s, so not much use to you

Thanks, that's helpful. I'm wondering why it is not more widely known, as it sounds like an approach a lot of parents would approve of.

Abbotsholme

I had the same experience as nellymoo by the sound of it. Our Headmaster was a pupil at Gordonstoun when Hahn was Headmaster so was very keen on Round Square, but I wouldn't describe it as being any different to any other boarding school.

Go on draggedthroughthehedge, where did you go?!

Oooh I'll out myself if I say . It was then a girls school, but isn't any more and is oop north. Don't know if that gives you any clues?!

I also went on a Round Square conference

he he, I think we went to the same one!

really?! I am trying to think if there are any other schools that fit my description...

OK - this question should confirm it - did you have an annual "Sail Away Day"?

At Hodge howe?
would that be with mr legg or mr cooper?!

AAGGHH OMG!! Sorry for the hijack OP

Now I am very curious...

I was there between 91-96 how about you?

btw I am one of those anonymous people who no-one ever remembers either by sight or name, due to a distinct lack of talent in any area you care to name.

oooh, spooky, 91 - 98!