Summerhill School : an observation visit

Abstract

Summerhill College is a comprehensive school for students aged between 11-16. Situated in the area of Kingswinford near Dudley in the West Midlands, the school had been given a Specialist College Status in 1999, re-awarded in 2002, the Artsmark Silver Award, and the Sportsmark Award in 2003. Our visit to the school during the first two weeks of March 2006 focused on the various aspects of school life and the organisation and management structures at the school. The introduction gives a brief history of specialist language education and also describes the school building and layout. The first chapter describes the organisation and management structures, the distribution of authority and communication networks at the college. All these aspects were discussed in the light of analysed literature. The second chapter outlines in detail all the aspects of the school's work, from curriculum planning and monitoring, school climate, ethos, discipline, pastoral care and assessment to extra curricular activities among others. Again all these aspects were discussed in the light of educational rationale from reviewed literature. Chapter three deals with a number of school policies. Chapter four highlights the various teachers· roles, the role of the Heads of Department and the relationships with parents and outside agencies. The conclusion to this report shows Summerhill College as a college with a self evaluative ethos and one were professional development is a priority. AII these aspects were discussed in the light of the Maltese NMC and their application to the local educational system.