Free schools: Wacky class experiment or future of education?

Published: 28 October, 2010
by JOSIE HINTON

SINCE Michael Gove first announced plans for new Swedish-style “free schools,” there have been fears of unqualified teachers promoting a wild and wacky curriculum and lessons being held in unsuitable buildings such as pubs or takeaways, without planning permission.

But far from being driven by a desire to deviate from the educational norm already on offer in Camden’s state schools, Penny Roberts – who plans to open the borough’s first free school next year – says she is motivated by the exact opposite.

“I’m extremely lucky that my children are already receiving an excellent education in a local Camden school,” says Ms Roberts, a 36-year-old former teacher and mother-of-two. 

“But I know parents that haven’t been lucky enough to get a school place and it has been really stressful for them. 

“It is this shortfall of places that we are trying to address. We don’t want to move away too much from what is already on offer in Camden because what’s on offer is great – there just isn’t enough of it.”

Ms Roberts has in fact been working closely with both Camden Council and the Church of England school’s board over her plans for the new primary – a half-form entry which will open next September in St Luke’s Church Hall, in Kidderpore Avenue, initially with 15 reception pupils.

Ms Roberts has chosen an open admissions policy – mirroring Camden’s own – and has opted to begin accepting applications on the same day the council opens its floodgates, in order to position St Luke’s Primary alongside other state schools.

But that’s not to say the team behind St Luke’s will not take advantage of the freedom they have to make small changes championed by local parents, Ms Roberts’ says.

For example, a modern foreign language will be part of the curriculum as soon as pupils join the school in reception class – a move that was a priority for parents who took part in a consultation exercise.

“This came out of the consultation as very important for local parents, and we know this is an area where a lot of children have at least one parent speaking a foreign language,” Ms Roberts explains.

“We will have one lesson a week but languages will also be embedded in the curriculum in other ways, such as with food and playground rhymes. 

“And where we have children who speak a different language at home, we might get their parent to come in and speak about their home country or read or story or something like that. 

“It’s partly about introducing children to languages, but mainly it’s about encouraging them to have pride in their identity and developing their self-respect.”

The school will also retain strong links with the community through shared activities with the church and by inviting community volunteers in to work with children. 

It is currently being advised on sustainable foods by Walnut restaurant, in West Hampstead.

As a former maths teacher and educational psychologist for Hertfordshire Council – having given up work to raise her family – Ms Roberts hopes she can bring her experience, particularly working with special needs pupils, to St Luke’s. 

She is currently working on a detailed business plan to be submitted to the government. Once funding is secured, the building will be transformed into four classrooms for mixed year-group classes, with a brand new kitchen and outside playing area. 

A small gym currently used by nearby private primary St Margaret’s will be re-fitted as the reception classroom and the two small schools will then maintain a relationship, with shared after-school activities such as ballet, sports and languages.

“As a small school we hope to be able to create a really close commun­ity,” says Ms Roberts. 

“I know people are opposed to free schools and I completely understand that, but we’ve got this rare opportunity to create a community school where there is a massive need. 

“So far we’ve had overwhelming support.”