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Unschooling
A step beyond home education, unschooling means that children decide what they’d like to learn and when. Unlike school, or more traditional types of home education, there’s no curriculum, no imposed learning, no testing. The children set the agenda and pace; the aim is to learn through living.
“I’ve had to let go of a lot of my thinking. I’m more of a mentor, encouraging the boys to have a vision and to undertake their own projects.”
Mother of three boys
Advantages
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Learning is personalised
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Children learn at their own pace and follow their interests
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Families spend quality time together
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Students learn about other places, societies and values outside of formal lessons
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Students are not repeatedly tested and progress can be measured by more than academic standards alone
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Unschooling promotes a sense of personal responsibility, self-motivation and desire to learn
Considerations
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Children may not learn Maths, English and Science skills, which could disadvantage them in future
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Students may not take public exams, such as GCSE or A levels. This prevents them from accessing university and applying to some jobs
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Unschooling can be socially isolating for children. Extracurricular activities can help them to overcome this and build friendships
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Local authorities may judge that students are not receiving a broad and balanced education. In these cases, they have the power to intervene
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