Learning about PSII has been fascinating. I cannot believe I have never heard of this school before, despite living in Victoria all of my life. Hearing Jeff Hopkins speak about the school and tour the school has been a great experience.

I loved that Jeff refers to the students as “learners” I think that this is really powerful and shows respect for the students as well as it helps identify the aim of the school. Not a process for students to get through but instead an environment for learners to flourish. I have often heard that the process of school is really to teach people how to learn. I think that this idea is powerful. Instead of memorizing facts if students could learn how to learn and become “learners” this would benefit them more then what our current system does.

I feel like in the last few years is really when I have began to really understand how I learn and start this process. In my previous schooling I was always focused on getting the assignments done well and I was worried about the grading aspect not the learning aspect.

I honestly wish I had an opportunity like PSII.

The environment that Jeff fosters at PSII is also incredible, from quiet spaces, to mixed-use collaborative space. You can tell that the facility is working for the students not the other way around.

When I looked at the calendar of opt-in classes I was so envious! I want to attend some of these! How cool would it to create your schedule in high-school and focus on your interests. I love this idea.

While I know that for some students this may not work or at least not right away I do think that these ideas could be tailored into our current public school system. We could learn a lot for PSII and I hope that future educators and our education system is able to take these lessons into practice.

Julia