Transformative Education: Collaboration is Key

Collaboration is one of those words which is employed regularly in organisations without much thought given to its true meaning.

This is not the case at SBL.
It was during an SBL teacher training session that I had a “lightbulb” moment about what true collaboration really means.
It is not simply a willingness to network or coordinate with others, but the desire to support somebody else for a common purpose.
Our common purpose at SBL is to bring each student’s unique essence to life. Here are just some of the ways we effectuate meaningful collaboration at SBL:

‌

• Facilitators collaborate with students.
  We believe that learning is a social process and can only truly take place in a nurturing environment. Students’ holistic education is viewed on par with their academic learning. As a result, facilitators support students in learning about topics they are interested in, through the medium that suits them best. Students are encouraged to share how they are feeling and to increase their self awareness through regular journaling, sharing and reflection.
• Students are encouraged to collaborate with their peers.
  In order to foster an ability to work as part of a team, students have the opportunity to work in pairs and groups throughout their lessons. In order to support students to make meaningful connections, we hold workshops with our school psychologist on relationships and communication. In addition to this, we have special weeks led by students, extra curricular activities, a peer to peer buddy system and study groups to support students’ preparation for examinations. During residential weeks, students come together and connect with peers outside of their classroom whilst travelling, during meal times and when experiencing new activities.
• Facilitators collaborate with families.
  At SBL, we understand the importance of the relationship between caregiver, facilitator and student. As a result, we keep in regular contact with families in order to gain feedback on students’ wellbeing and learning journeys outside of the zoom room. This means further support can be put into place when required. Every two months, meetings between caregivers, students and their mentors take place in order to reflect on progress made and to set smart goals for the coming weeks.
• Facilitators collaborate with one another.
  At SBL, the facilitators work as a team. This is done by sharing knowledge, inspiration and resources during staff meetings and INSET days. Our team works together to find solutions for individual students, whole classes and the wider community. During residential weeks, our facilitators work together to support all students at SBL to feel safe, connect with others and have enriching experiences.

Collaboration is one of our core values at SBL. This is lived out at our school through an aligned vision, shared dialogue and mutual understanding. Our students are at the heart of everything we do and the reason we collaborate; they are our common purpose.