“Imagine a School – Summerhill” is a documentary about a famous coeducational alternative boarding school that faced closure by Tony Blair’s Labor government. Directed by William Tyler Smith, this extraordinary story is about how big government and their cookie cutter mentality try to put the brakes on a remarkably successful program. Founded by educator AS Neill, Summerhill is the oldest and most influential free democratic school in the world. It was established in 1927 in the town of Leiston on the north coast of England.
The film begins by presenting AS Neill’s educational principles and philosophies, which may seem irresponsible to many at first. However, as the film unfolds, skepticism turns to curiosity and finally admiration. AS Neill’s methods not only work, they work better than the standardized British curriculum. Summerhill’s test scores are often well above the national average.
Summerhill students, teachers and alumni explain this unconventional learning process using short conversation snippets. There are many facets and I will try to make it as clear as I can. As I see it, Summerhill is a democracy where students and teachers determine the rules of conduct; and the punishment for breaking them. Therefore, there is a code of conduct, which is reached by consensus rather than being imposed by school administrators. At Summerhill, each child is free to make their own decisions: attend classes, play at school, or read a book all day, as long as her actions don’t interfere with anyone else’s life. The school also creates an environment where the human capacity for learning and cooperation hidden within each person is fully explored and nurtured. Release the child’s natural instinct to learn.
This explanation is arrived at through interviews with committed students and faculty. Celebrities like former students Jake Weber and Rebecca DeMornay add to this testimony. This image of unbridled flow of ideas is also reinforced by images of class discussions and students exploring topics with each other. For one-size-fits-all educators, this method would create anarchy and chaos. For these educators, structure, discipline, and standardized methods are the accepted mantra. Summerhill, on the other hand, feels that each child is unique and given freedom, they will find the right learning paths. The school notes that once a child decides to learn, they will typically learn five years of material in two.
However, the film is more than a testament to his educational method. It is the struggle to maintain its own existence. When Tony Blair’s Labor government attempts to shut them down as part of its promise to improve education standards, the fight begins to save this prestigious institution. Lack of supervision, non-compulsory attendance, and lack of a standardized curriculum are the main complaints. However, the government underestimates the intuitive and persuasive powers of students and teachers. Using effective arguments, formidable attorneys take the case to court where discrepancies in the prosecution are openly exposed. In court, testimony from the principal, other adults and, most effectively, the students bring sanity to the lawsuit.
Since cameras are not allowed in the courtroom, student notes, crude drawings, and voice-over recollections cleverly provide a tongue-in-cheek image of the proceedings. I say ironic because the government’s case was prepared and presented by supposedly well-educated people educated under existing standardized curricula. However, it is the testimony of students and teachers that sets the record straight and brings the focus back to educational outcomes rather than arbitrary regulations. This section of the film had the most impact as the students documented the proceedings and commented on the deliberations. It shows that they are extremely perceptive and knowledgeable beyond their years.
I was convinced by the articulate and rational way in which these students present themselves. This, I assume, is a product of his Summerhill upbringing. They are emotionally healthy, happy and intellectually developed children and much better prepared to face the world and its enormous problems. Similarly, they have much better tools to shape society and deal with the harsh realities of the real world. I left this movie with a feeling of envy. Why couldn’t I have been one of them?
The filmmaker’s valiant efforts bring to light this innovative teaching philosophy and the dangers should it go dark. And if there’s a weakness in this film, it’s that we don’t get to hear the inspectors speak and experience firsthand their plan to close this school. We only have their written reports which the students debunk by pointing out flaws in the inspector’s investigation. The threat of government intrusion and its old-school mentality, therefore, is hinted at rather than seen.
The camera work on catch as catch can features a fly-on-the-wall perspective. Only a few scenes look artificial. The editing of the courtroom flashbacks is very inventive and the highlight of the film. Handwritten notes, sketches, and doodles cleverly augment the voiceovers. And when the complaint arises about the lack of toilets in the school, it is delightfully countered with a long string of flush toilets. The film is an even-handed portrayal, and the sections on getting dressed and sneaking out after the lights go out seemed as much a part of the story as the classroom activities.
“Imagine a School – Summerhill” is a film that challenges thinking about education and the role of government in its regulation. This film illuminates the alternatives as well as the hopes for the future. If these educational principles and philosophies were incorporated into our schools, imagine what it would be like.
CREDITS: Key interviews with Orson Bean, Tom Conti, Peter Coyote and Rebecca De Mornay. Director: William Tyler Smith; Executive Producers: William Tyler Smith and JD Hoxter; Producers: Morris S. Levy, Emma Broomhead and Ann Jackman; Associate Producer and Sales Agent: Jill Gambaro, Director of Photography: JD Hoxter; Editor: Ann Jackman; Music Composer: Justin Samaha; Produced by 418 Films, Ltd.; Running time: 67 minutes; Filmed in Great Britain and the United States. Not Rated. Available on DVD on Amazon.