Welcome to my school

In many countries, young people live surrounded by an unprecedented combination of opportunity and uncertainty, the first generation ever that might end up being less educated and wealthy than their parents. That sounds scary, doesn’t it?

Managerial classes and public services in many countries are often more focussed on the present (at times the past), with limited ability to draw a credible, shiny future for young generations.

In modern societies, school has an undoubted responsibility in establishing the key to success for the whole society. In bridging the gap between past and future, yesterday and tomorrow. School is where young generations learn from the past and develop skills that will largely determine their success in their adult life. Irrespective of personal attitudes and career goals, school is the way society prepares young generations for the future and its uncertainties.?

Unfortunately, reality is often different. Our education systems often have a hard time to cope with the pace, the complexity and, to be totally fair, the beauty of modern, multicultural, dynamic societies. In such a cultural background, where technology and innovation should be leveraged as strong and valuable means to make a positive impact on society, they are often perceived as part of the problem.

In an effort to fight my frustration as an adult and as a father, I spent some time reflecting on what a good, modern, future proof schooling system should look like. I even dreamt of quitting my current job to initiate some project that would give our kids “the school that they deserve”. Disillusioned? Sure. But dreams are not expensive, whilst they may help people face their daily challenges and frustrations.?

So, here’s the foundations of my schooling system. If one day I decide to invest in one, it will have to align to these fundamental principles.?

The Vision

We envision a future where education transcends traditional boundaries and fosters a dynamic learning environment that empowers people of all generations. Our schooling system looks at intergenerational education, while pioneering a holistic and modern approach to education that seamlessly integrates the best of in-person and online learning experiences. We are committed to nurturing a community of lifelong learners equipped with the skills, knowledge, and adaptability needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.

The Mission

Our mission is to provide innovative and high-quality education from K12 to academia, guided by the most modern educational theories. We strive to create an educational ecosystem that fosters intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity. Our approach leverages cutting-edge technology, a blend of in-person and online resources, methodologies that prioritize personalized learning experiences.

We aim to:

• Promote Holistic Development. Cultivate well-rounded individuals by addressing the academic, social, emotional, and physical aspects of learning.
• Embrace Modern Pedagogies. Incorporate evidence-based educational theories, ensuring dynamic and engaging learning experiences that prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century.
• Value Technological Integration. Harness the power of technology to create a fluid and interactive learning environment, facilitating both in-person and online educational settings with equal effectiveness.
• Empower Exceptional Educators. Attract, retain and support the best teachers, those who prove to be passionate about inspiring and guiding students toward academic excellence and personal growth.
• Forge Strong Community Links. Establish meaningful partnerships with local businesses, industry sectors and experts to bridge the gap between education and workplace.
• Cultivate Lifelong Learners. Instill a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom, empowering students to continuously adapt, innovate, and contribute positively to society.
• Promote Diversity and Inclusion. Create an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity, where every individual feels valued and supported in their educational journey.

By embodying these principles, we aim to redefine education, preparing generations to thrive in an interconnected and evolving world, leaving a lasting impact on individuals, communities, and society as a whole.

Our Manifesto

• Education uses the knowledge of the past to help present generations face the future world.
• Every human being has abilities, interests, aspirations that have the potential to determine their success in life. Education aims to identify each person's potential and provide them with the tools to develop it in the right direction.
• Teaching is the most effective way to learn something.
• The main role of the teacher is to observe and guide rather than to actively direct.
• Most future professions are unpredictable at any given point in time, and with them, the identification of skills and abilities these professions will require.
• Studying is an intimate and very personal act that thrives on exchange and collaboration with others, whether alive or deceased.
• Nobody is born “learned” (this may sound quite Italian… hope this resonates in other languages too).

The Decalogue of the good student / teacher

Why a Decalogue? Every social environment needs values and principles. School is not an exception (never was), so... What better opportunity to draw a simple set of guidelines for learners and educators??

Modern schools often propose their own “mutual responsibility pact” among school, parents and, of course, students. Such formal agreements well address the “day by day” life of our young scholars but not always cover the broader question: why are we here, what do we expect from the school, how do we ensure that we all get out of of here better than how we entered”. In other terms: how do we build an ever improving educational system? Here’s an attempt to set those guidelines.

Clear communication

• As a student: Make sure to communicate clearly with your teachers and classmates, both in person and online. Use clear and respectful messages.
• As a teacher: Communicate clearly with students, both during in-person and online lessons. Use accessible language and respond to questions patiently.

Openness to feedback

• As a student: Be open to constructive feedback and strive to continuously improve. Accept criticism positively and use it to grow as a student.
• As a teacher: Be open to feedback from students and use it to adapt your teaching approach. Foster an environment where students feel free to express doubts and opinions.

Active participation

• As a student: Actively participate during lessons, whether virtual or in-person. Ask questions, share your ideas, and engage with your classmates.
• As a teacher: Actively engage during lessons, stimulating student participation. Encourage questions, discussions, and interactions that enrich the learning experience.

Transparency in assignments

• As a student: Be transparent about the work you're doing. Communicate any difficulties or doubts in a timely manner and seek help when needed.
• As a teacher: Be transparent in communicating assignments and expectations. Provide clear directions on what is expected from students and promptly answer any questions.

Time management

• As a student: Organize your time effectively. Properly manage both in-person and online commitments. Learn to balance studying with other activities.
• As a teacher: Efficiently organize lessons, balancing time between in-person and online sessions. Provide clear guidance on schedules and support students in managing their study time.

Collaboration with peers and colleagues

• As a student: Collaborate with your classmates both during lessons and in study sessions. Share resources, explanations, and support others when they struggle. Invest in teamwork as much as you do in your individual study.
• As a teacher: Collaborate with your fellow teachers to share resources, teaching strategies, and mutual support. Promote teamwork in the classroom, leverage the dynamics of collaborative study while recognizing the value that each individual brings to the group.

Technological Adaptability

• As a student: Be flexible in using the necessary technology for remote learning. Learn to master digital tools and tackle any challenges with patience. Don’t get distracted by technology, make it a part of your student toolkit.
• As a teacher: Demonstrate flexibility in using educational technologies. Ensure you have the necessary skills and support students in the effective use of digital tools.

Positive Participation

• As a student: Maintain a positive attitude during lessons and studies. Your positive energy can influence the entire learning environment.
• As a teacher: Maintain a positive attitude during lessons, motivating students and creating a welcoming and stimulating environment.

Personal Responsibility

• As a student: Take responsibility for your actions and commitments. Respect deadlines and complete tasks diligently.
• As a teacher: Take responsibility for your teaching decisions and commitments made to students. Respect deadlines and show consistency in enforcing rules.

Care for Emotional Balance

• As a student: Take care of your emotional well-being. If you feel stressed or challenged, seek support from your teachers or talk to someone you trust. Learning happens best in a positive and healthy environment.
• As a teacher: Take care of the emotional well-being of students. Provide support and understanding in times of difficulty and promote an atmosphere of mutual respect in the learning environment.

By following these principles, you commit to being a model student / teacher, contributing to creating an engaging and rewarding educational environment, whether you are in the classroom or through online lessons.

What does the educational system look like in your country, in your town? How did it get transformed by the pandemic, where a large part of schooling activities were massively moved online? How did technology impact the way schools work today? What role should parents have in the schooling experience of their kids? Feel free to comment and share feedback.