Today we are going to look at unschooling in the UK. An educational philosophy that you may have heard of, but is often misunderstood – particularly in the British tabloids! When it comes to alternative education, the concept of unschooling has been gaining momentum.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into the world of unschooling in the UK exploring its principles, benefits, and challenges.
What is Unschooling:
Unschooling is an approach to education that emphasises learner led experiences and self directed learning.
Rooted in the belief that children are natural learners, unschooling encourages exploration, curiosity, and hands-on experiences to drive education. Unschooling shifts the focus from a structured curriculum to a more child driven and interest based model. In traditional education, there is a predetermined set of subjects and learning outcomes that students are expected to study within a specific timeframe. Unschooling allows for a more organic and personalised learning experience.
The approach allows children to take the lead in their own education. This means that their interests, passions and curiosities guide the learning process rather than a curriculum, making it completely unique to them.
An unschooling parent places trust in their child’s natural curiosity and promotes learning within real life experiences. Whether it’s a visit to a museum, or a conversation with a professional, unschooled children often learn by doing.
Unschooling encourages intrinsic motivation, where learners develop a natural curiosity and love for learning, rather than relying on external rewards or grades.
Whilst the priorities of a traditional education are academics and grades, Unschooling emphasises the holistic development of a child. This would include emotional, social, and practical life skills, in addition to traditional academic subjects.
Is unschooling legal in the UK?
Yes, home education, including the unschooling approach, is legal in the United Kingdom. However, there are legal requirements that parents or guardians need to follow relating to all forms of home education. In the UK, parents who choose to home educate must ensure that their child receives a full time education. The legal framework for home educating in the UK is outlined in Section 7 of the Education Act 1996. According to this law, parents are responsible for ensuring that their child receives an education that is suitable to their age, ability, aptitude, and any special educational needs they may have, either by regular attendance at school or otherwise.
Parents are not required to follow the National Curriculum, and the law does not prescribe a specific method of education. This flexibility allows for various approaches to education, including unschooling.
It is important for parents considering unschooling and home education to familiarise themselves with the legal requirements specific to your location. Scottish guidelines are different to those in England for example. It is also important to maintain communication (written) with local authorities should they make contact.
Whilst Unschooling in the UK is completely legal, some local authorities are still dubious about it. They often completely miss understand the concept, thinking that you are not providing your child with any form of education. Due to this many unschoolers prefer to label their educational approach as child led to avoid any confusion.
What does unschooling mean for an academic education?
Whilst unschooling may take a less conventional approach to academic education, it doesn’t mean the absence of academic learning. Parents play a supportive role in creating an environment rich with resources and opportunities for learning, allowing children to naturally absorb knowledge and skills. The success of unschooling in terms of academic education often depends on the commitment of the family, the availability of resources, and the ability to adapt to the evolving needs and interests of the child.
Due to the freedom from a rigid curriculum, learners are able to explore subjects deeply and discover and pursue their passions. As an unschooler if a parent saw that their child was intrerested in the Romans for example they could delve into the topic, perhaps by exploring Roman towns and museums, watching age appropriate documentaries, looking at and designing traditional Roman military uniforms, reading books etc. The child may learn about the Romans for 3 days before the interest changes, or they may go down multiple rabbit holes and spend 6 months becoming little Roman experts. With an unschooling approach education is not limited by time, therefore a child has the ability to dive much deeper into a topic of interest. They can also explore a wider range of topics that are not part of the National curriculum.
Contrary to popular belief not all unschoolers are anti traditional academia and workbook and worksheet based learning. It is important to understand that just because a family chooses an unschooling approach to education does not mean that academic work can not and does not take place.
How do children learn without following a curriculum?
Real-life experiences offer practical learning opportunities for unschooled children. Children learn through hands-on activities, problem-solving, and social interactions. Activities like cooking, gardening, or shopping can teach maths, science, and social skills. For example a child may explore a maths concept like measuring through baking a cake or putting together an ikea flat pack. They may study botany and photosynthesis whilst working on an allotment rather than reading a science book. They won’t just learn what plants need to grow because a teacher wrote it on a blackboard (totally showing my age there) but they will spend time nuturing their plants, watching their life cycles, and figuring out what they need to thrive. It’s amazing the amount of national curriculums primary biology that can be covered by growing your own food and flowers. The learning becomes relevant to the child’s life and therefore naturally the child becomes more engaged.
Unschoolers often visit many different places, they may visit the British museum and spend the day exploring the Egyptian exhibition. It’s easier to remember what a canopic jar is when you have seen them rather than just read about them. Perhaps the child wants to learn about Spain and If you are really lucky you may be able to travel with your family and learn about different cultures, customs, food, language, history and geography simply by being in a new place. Learning happens every day and anywhere. It’s almost impossible for a child not to learn – they are like sponges by design; learning is what they do.
What is the parents role in unschooling?
Many people believe that unschooling means the parents simply leave the kids to their own devises. This is not in any way true. Unschooling places a strong emphasis on the role of the parent as a facilitator rather than a traditional teacher. Parents engage with their children’s interests, provide a range of resources, whether that’s books, documentaries or trips out, and support their exploration of diverse topics.
An unschooling parent takes on a supportive role providing guidance when needed, but allows the child to lead their education rather than adhering to a traditional teacher / student relationship.
To unschool successfully a parent needs to be in tune with their child – it is certainly not lazy parenting as I have seen multiple times in the media. This active involvement fosters a close parent-child relationship and tailors the learning experience to the individual needs of the child.
Benefits of Unschooling in the UK
Advocates of unschooling believe that learning occurs more authentically when driven by a child’s interests and passions. Teaching a child what they are interested in, when they are interested in it often results in a more engaged and motivated child. It also makes learning relevant to the child’s life and not just an abstract concept (they are not learning something simply because a book/curriculum told them it was time to learn it.)
Unschooling recognises that each child is unique, catering to their individual learning styles and preferences. This individualisation can lead to a deeper understanding of subjects and foster a love for learning. It is said that unschooled children often develop at a higher level than schooled children when it comes to problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. They also usually have a strong sense of responsibility for their own education. These are skills needed for anyone that chooses to go to University or higher education.
Unschooling provides the freedom for children to explore and delve deeply into their passions. Whether it’s art, science, or literature, unschooled children can dedicate more time and energy to what truly interests them. When a schooled child is gifted in art but struggles in maths the school will give them extra maths lessons. When an unschooled child is gifted in art, the parent gives that child everything needed to develop that talent further. With the time and space unschooling provides, the child is able to to see how far that talent can go.
Challenges of Unschooling
Critics argue that unschooling lacks a structured framework, potentially leading to gaps in a child’s knowledge. However even the most rigorous of educations will lead to gaps; no child will ever know everything!
Concerns about socialisation regarding all types of home education will always pop up too. However anyone that knows anything about unschooling or home education will laugh that off. I will do a separate blog on the ample ways that home educated children socialise, however it is a non-issue. If the parent and child are willing and able to embrace the opportunities available there are plenty. Critics would also argue that a child needs a traditional education in order to enter the workforce. An unschooling approach does not hinder a child’s future prospect. If an unschooled child decided to become a Lawyer their parents would find out the requirements for the courses needed. They then would help the child work towards those goals. Unschooled children can and do go to University just like anyone else.
Conclusion to unschooling in the UK
In conclusion, unschooling in the UK challenges the traditional notion of education by placing autonomy and self-directed learning at its core. While it has its critics, many families find this approach enriching, promoting a love for learning and fostering a deep connection between parents and children. As unschooling continues to gain recognition, it sparks important conversations about the diverse ways education can be approached and tailored to meet the needs of children. The rise of unschooling in the UK represents a shift in education, the freedom and flexibility it offers can contribute to a rich and fulfilling educational experience for many children. If you are reading this and currently weighing up the education options for your child I hope this helped answer some of your questions on unschooling. Please head over to https://tutusandmud.com/home-education-in-the-uk/ for more information on starting your journey, and pop any questions in the comments below.
Future Blogs.
I am currently working on a series of blogs exploring multiple styles of home education. This will include everything from a more structured approach to Waldorf education. I am interviewing other home educators and featuring guest bloggers to share what home education looks like to them. If you are an established home educator and would like to share your story please get in touch 🖤
