A new shape for schooling?

In this introductory pamphlet “A New Shape for Schooling?”, David Hargreaves, proposes a new approach to education that emphasises personalisation and co-construction. Hargreaves argues that traditional schooling models are closer to mass production than to customisation, and that to truly meet the needs and aspirations of students, schools must embrace a more individualised approach.

Hargreaves introduces four key concepts that can help schools reshape their approach to education: deep learning, deep experience, deep support, and deep leadership. These concepts are all centred around the idea that students must be active participants in their own learning, and that teachers must work collaboratively with them to create a personalised curriculum that meets their unique needs and interests.

Throughout the pamphlet, Hargreaves emphasises the importance of co-construction – the idea that students and teachers must work together to design a curriculum that is tailored to each student’s individual needs. He also highlights the need for a culture of personalisation that is supported by both students and teachers, and that embraces the idea that learning is an ongoing, lifelong process.

“A New Shape for Schooling?” should be read in sequence with the other four personalising learning pamphlets. Hargreaves’ ideas are both practical and visionary, and they provide a roadmap for schools that are looking to move beyond traditional, one-size-fits-all approaches to education. Whether you are a teacher, school leader, or education policymaker, this pamphlet is an essential read for anyone who is interested in the future of education and the role that personalisation can play in transforming the way we teach and learn.