 The Future Worlds project was a three day residential course where students were challenged to explore the possibilities of the future of our planet.
On arrival students divided into three groups for an Edwards De Bono's Six Thinking Hats session with Jennifer Seaton and each group decided on the future world they would like to examine.
The groups then worked with specialist tutors - an artist, dramatist and poet, in rotation. Students were encouraged to appreciate that the process of a project is as important as any possible finished work they might produce. They considered three areas in their future worlds:
1 – arts, culture, education
2 – science, health, the environment
3 – government/ philosophy – rules, laws, control, crime and punishment
There were also fun activities for late afternoons and evenings – a treasure hunt and a quiz night, storytelling and games.
Working in three groups, students wrote their individual ideas about the Future World that they would like to explore and then voted on which one the group would study. These are the ideas that were suggested, the third suggestion was the world that was explored during the course.
- The world is on the edge of extinction because of global warming and pollution. Most people have to take a step back in time and live without electricity, cars, or heating. Some people, those in power of course, still have access to technology. Most try and live by growing their own vegetables, but others have found a more gruesome way to survive.
- Global warming – some of us tried to stop it, but not everyone did. Now we have to prepare for the day when the Earth dies. We have to leave our planet behind, build space stations and make colonies on other worlds.
- In a time not far away...
The leaders of our world control every move we make.
Our whole lives are strictly managed.
There is no room for change. They say nothing needs improvement.
We are not allowed to think for ourselves. We are forced almost to worship our leaders and blindly follow where they lead.
The course was highly successful; here are a few closing comments from the students and parents involved:
"I am writing to thank you and all the teachers for the wonderful course at the Pestalozzi. I really enjoyed the whole experience."
"I enjoyed Drama most, because it was fun and exciting. We don’t do drama at my school so it was something new.
The only thing I would change is to make it longer and more often. Apart from that it was the best bit of education I’ve ever done!! When can I next come?"
"Dear Excellence Cluster
I am writing to tell you what an amazing time I had at the Pestalozzi Village.
……………. I hope I get another opportunity like this soon."
"5 things I achieved at Pestalozzi:
- I learnt how to write Quatrains
- To be away from my mum
- To do good drama
- To make up a play script
- To come 3rd in treasure hunts"
"Just a short note to say thanks for having my son on the ‘’Future Worlds’’ course. He very much enjoyed it.
I enjoyed the children’s presentation and it was obvious they had all worked very hard. Well done to everyone concerned."
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During most school holidays, as well as some weekends and after school, there are special courses provided for groups of between 15 and 40 students. The aim is to provide stimulating educational input and also make the courses as much fun as possible.
