Celebrating 5 Years of Empowering Hearts & Minds at East Kent Sudbury
As East Kent Sudbury (EKS) marks its 5th anniversary today we reflect on the remarkable journey that has transformed two humble rooms in a community center, into the vibrant 3.5-acre haven we now call home. A journey that has seen us go from 17 students to our current 45, and one which has seen us grow in so many more ways than that. From the outset, EKS has been more than just another alternative education setting; it’s a testament to the power of self-directed learning, democratic principles, and the unwavering commitment to championing children’s rights.
Reflecting upon the past 1826 days since we first opened our doors, our story encompasses such a spectrum of emotions – from immense joy and many celebrations, to poignant moments of loss and sadness. Throughout it all our community has weathered challenges like the impact of COVID-19, financial strains, the loss of beloved staff, as well as two relocations and yet has still managed to flourish. Despite adversity at times, the unwavering dedication of past and present students, staff and parents has fortified our foundation allowing us to continue to develop and grow. The past year and three months at Rippledown House feels like a dream for many of us and stands as a testament to our shared vision and the resilience of our community members. The students themselves are responsible for imagining, creating and then re imaging and re creating again and again and because there is no such thing as a standard child, it creates a magic that just can’t be explained unless witnessed.
To kick off this celebratory series please join us on a journey through time and wisdom as we look at some of the most powerful quotes from over the past 5 years shared by past and present staff, students, parents and visitors. As we unveil these insights below, let us collectively celebrate the spirit of our remarkable 🎉 HALF A DECADE 🎉 journey.
ECHOES OF FREEDOM: 5 Years of East Kent Sudbury
“At school I always felt like I wasn’t good enough. I was told I was behind and often told to be quiet. At EKS people actually care about what I have to say. Even the adults think I’m interesting.” – EKS Student
“Since being here no staff member has ever dwelled on my faults. Or discouraged me in anything that I do.” – EKS Student
“Being at EKS takes bravery and guts. You grow and flourish into the person that YOU want to be without being bossed around. You are given the time and the space to step back and discover what you like, with the support of the staff”. – EKS Student
“I feel like I belong.” – EKS Student
“I was our first student chair person and was only just 7 years old! I really enjoyed leading the meeting and I learnt a lot.” – EKS Student
“I am seeing children flourish in ways I have never seen before in any other setting.” – EKS Staff
“Children are good enough at EKS, because they are accepted fully. They don’t have to prove anything. There are no tests other than the tests that they set themselves.” – EKS Staff
“Stick with it, look closer – without disturbing anyone – and you begin to see, slowly at first and then in a flood, all the learning that’s going on all the time. Every moment, every activity, every interaction deliberately chosen, carefully negotiated. Each member of the community gradually building their own model of the world by observing, inquiring, testing, creating, considering, listening and practicing. Once your eyes adjust to self-directed learning you’ll never see education the same way again.” – EKS Staff
“This is their world too, they get to have a say in how it looks, and more importantly what their childhood looks like. They get to have a say in what sort of person they want to be.” – EKS Parent
“Wow, I had such a fantastic time at EKS last week! Singing songs about Ninja Bear, playing a game of Exploding Kittens, observing the Judicial Committee, and the meeting chaired by 9-year-old A. I’ve spent time at more than 20 democratic and self-directed learning settings around the world, and whilst I can have lots of different reflections, the main question for me is: ‘would I feel safe and happy if my own child was at this school?’ And in this case, with East Kent Sudbury, I can feel very confident saying: yes!” – Danny Whitehouse – Campaigner
“We have really noticed a fantastic change. Our friends have too! She is becoming far less self conscious and free in her expression outside of our home. Dancing in the supermarket yesterday! It’s as if you’ve sprinkled magic fairy dust on our daughter. We are delighted.” – EKS Parent
“As a black unschooling family, the welcoming, inclusive community at EKS along with their continued efforts and commitment to equity and equality, has been truly invaluable to us.” – EKS Staff
“When they came here it was just a complete transformation. Just to see them so free and so happy. It’s just the way children are supposed to be.” – EKS Parent
“They have become more self assured, articulate and confident. They express themselves more honestly and with less fear of judgement than they did before and are learning how to think for themselves.” – EKS Parent
🌈✨Looking ahead to the next five years our EKS community is committed to:
- continually advocating for self-directed education to be accepted
- continuing to shout about the transformative tales that define East Kent Sudbury’s unique magic
- continuing to demand that every child’s need for autonomy and respect is met regardless of where they go to school.
We hope these echoes of freedom have in some way inspired you!
#EKSQuotes #TransformativeWisdom #ChampionsOfChildrensRights 🌿🎓
