Becoming an intern at the Family School can be a life changing experience. It provides the individual with an opportunity to learn more about child development, to engage in effective, respectful communication with children, to be involved in creative learning, to interact with people of all ages and backgrounds, to have fun and enjoy being with children as they learn.
Teachers, students and other creative individuals are welcome to apply and come to London for a year, a term or half-term and work with us in the Family School, learning about alternative approaches to education as well as bringing a different perspective and energy to our school.
Who Are We Looking for?
We are interested in receiving applications from adults of all ages who think outside of the box, are able to develop rapport with a wide range of people and age groups, and want to explore alternative teaching theories and child-centered approaches. We are most interested in potential candidates who are aligned with our philosophies regarding education, the environment, communication and conflict resolution (see specific information on other pages of this website).
Interns will be involved in staff meetings before and after school, early morning conferences, school and parent group meetings as well as participating in the classroom with the children and other adults. There will be a required reading list and some of the material must be read prior to becoming an intern. Participation will involve designing individual plans, engaging in free play with the children, setting up materials and areas, making and recording observations, cleaning up and assisting the teachers. An ability to interact with people in an effective, respectful, authentic way is required, as is a passion for learning and the ability and willingness to be creative and allow each person at the school to learn at his or her own rate and in his or her own unique style. you will have the opportunity to participate in the ongoing process of creating a school that is respectful of individuals and the environment. You will learn about different learning theories and you will help us to develop our observation and assessment methods.
Interns coming from outside of the London area will receive housing, an organic fruit and veg box each week, other food, use of a bicycle and a nominal £200 per month. This stipend is enough to cover general expenses, but if you were to want to travel further afield, you would need to bring your own money with you. The school is using temporary premises which we own in Brixton, London and the intern rooms are located above the school. There is a kitchen, private bedroom, shared shower and toilet facilities on the premises and the building is secure. Brixton is a multi-cultural area of London located a short tube or train ride from the center of London and transportation is very good. There are several ethnic restaurants within walking distance as well as lovely parks. Brixton is a vital urban area and is part of the Transition Town movement in the U.K. this is a great location to be in if you want to explore London!
If you are interested, please email us. Include a letter stating who you are, why you would be interested in becoming an intern us and what you can offer. If you are coming from overseas, a visa allowing you to do volunteer work will be required (simple to obtain, as the Family School is a registered charity) and a background check will be necessary.
email us familyschoolster@googlemail.com
For general information on obtaining a voluntary visa please read the followingVolunteers.rtf
Further/background information is also available elsewhere on this website.....
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