Georgette McCready visits an innovative learning hub in Lacock for 10-14 year olds
Any parent or carer who has tried home schooling (as many did during lockdown) will know that there are frustrating gaps in one’s own knowledge, skills, or even world view. How to give your child an all-round education outside the framework of the mainstream school system?
An innovative project in the heart of the Wiltshire goes a long way towards offering a holistic learning centre for children aged ten to 14 which focuses not just on what they may learn about the world, but what they may learn about human nature and their own sense of self.
The Griffin Club’s education programme has been developed from the ethos of a variety of educators, ranging from Indian philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti, through to Sir Ken Robinson and to Ricardo Semler from the Lumiar schools in Brazil. Tenets include the promotion of self-inquiry, self-directed learning and the belief that humans thrive in nature.
The young students at Griffin Club have nature in abundance at its beautiful rural spot, a former chicken farm on the very top of Bowden Hill in Lacock, with huge Wiltshire skies above and fields and woods to explore.
Phoenix is the Lead Co-ordinator and he explained how the young people’s days are structured. “We begin with enquiry time, where we discuss what we are going to do during the day. We take on some big issues to discuss, such as friendship, awareness and conflict. Everyone is encouraged, there is no right and no wrong.
“Then, we will go for our daily walk. Our days offer creative time, taking part in writing, painting or drawing. Then some days we will concentrate on the physical. George, who is here today, also teaches martial arts.
“Everyone is encouraged to produce their own projects and share their findings, with peers learning from their peers. We have all kinds of projects at the moment, including Mexico, black holes, fish and mushrooms.”
Phoenix is joined by other co-ordinators as well as visiting mentors and parents, all bringing their individual skills for the young people to be inspired by and to prompt their own learning. Students work within a mutually agreed framework of behaviour, so they learn event planning and management together, and understand how to listen to others who may hold opposing views.
Parents are sent a weekly newsletter, with photos from activities and dates for future activities and trips. No two days are ever the same, with lessons including dressing up as Romans to re-enact the battle of Stamford Bridge in the woods, to arranging for keen woodworkers to join a professional woodworking workshop in Marlborough to hone their skills.
The group might discuss the outcome of the American election, budget and plan for a community party, or work alongside volunteers at the market garden, Griffin Growers, to grow fruit and vegetables. The hugely popular Wiltshire Scrapstore shares the campus and provides a great resource for arts and crafts projects.
The community is run from a big, light and airy building with one floor to ceiling massive window, which frames the countryside beyond. Youngsters bring their own packed lunch, there are only 12 to 16 children per session (with a capacity for 20 in all) and the atmosphere is quiet and nurturing, more like a family than a schoolroom.
After the age of 14 Griffin Club members go on to study for GCSEs at other places, including New College, Swindon.
“Griffin has 100% turned my daughter’s life around for the better, and boosted her confidence in a way that felt impossible only a few months ago,” said one parent. “She misses Griffin at the weekends, and comes home full of new facts and stories to share every day.
“The sense of community within the project is palpable. Griffin encourages creativity, critical thinking, time outdoors, and social-emotional learning. This is all within a very safe and nurturing environment. The children are developing incredible skills that will serve them well beyond their school years.
“I thank my lucky stars every day that we found it.”
Another parent explained, “My child started Griffin club in September, after a long time struggling to attend a mainstream primary school. We knew from a first visit that Griffin Club would be the right place for them, and they have settled in beautifully.
“They have made brilliant friends, have great relationships with the adults and feel like they can be their true self and pursue the things they are interested in. They love the freedom to choose activities, the indoor space and the option to be outside.
“We’re so pleased with how they have settled in, what they have learnt and the fact that not once have they said they don’t want to go! In fact, they want to increase their days there.”
Young people who would like to be part of the Griffin Club are invited to attend a three-day week as a trail, for a fee of £50. On joining the fees, paid monthly, are £450 for a three-day week and £350 for two days.
The Griffin Club is at the Griffin Estate, Bowden Hill, Wiltshire, SN15 2PP. Visit www.griffinclub.co.uk to find out more and to arrange a visit for your child.
