Movie review – "Imagine a school-Summerhill" – An innovative boarding school faces government shutdown

“Imagine School – Summerhill” is a documentary about a famous mixed alternative boarding school that faced closure by the Labor government of Tony Blair. Directed by William Tyler Smith, this extraordinary story is about how big government and its cookie cutter mentality try to stop a remarkably successful show. Founded by educator AS Neill, Summerhill is the oldest and most influential democratic free school in the world. It was established in 1927 in the town of Leiston on the north coast of England.

The film begins by introducing AS Neill’s educational principles and philosophies, which to many may seem irresponsible at first. However, as the movie progresses, skepticism turns to curiosity and eventually admiration. AS Neill’s methods don’t just work, they work better than the standardized British curriculum. Summerhill test scores are typically well above the national average.

Summerhill students, teachers, and alumni explain this unconventional learning process using short conversation clips. There are many facets and I will try to clarify them as best I can. The way I see it, Summerhill is a democracy in which students and teachers together 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 their actions do not 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 explored and nurtured to the maximum. Releases the child’s natural learning instinct.

This explanation is arrived at through interviews with interested students and teachers. Celebrities such as alumni Jake Weber and Rebecca DeMornay add to this testimony. This image of the 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, structuring, disciplining, and standardizing methods are the accepted mantra. Summerhill, on the other hand, feels that each child is unique and, given freedom, will find the right learning pathways. 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 tries to shut them down as part of its promise to improve education standards, the fight is on 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, the testimony of the principal, other adults, and, more effectively, the students add sanity to the lawsuit.

Since cameras are not allowed in the courtroom, student notes, crude drawings, and voice-over recollections deftly give a wry picture of the proceedings. I say ironic in the sense that the government case was prepared and presented by supposedly well-educated people educated under existing standardized curricula. However, it is the testimony of students and faculty that clears things up and returns the focus to educational outcomes rather than arbitrary regulations. This section of the film had the greatest impact as students documented the proceedings and discussed the deliberations. It shows that they are extremely perceptive and knowledgeable beyond their years.

I was captivated by the articulate and rational way in which these students present themselves. I assume this is a product of your education at Summerhill. They are emotionally healthy, happy and intellectually developed children and much better prepared to face the world and its enormous problems. They also have far 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 if it is turned off. And if there is a weakness in this film, it is that we cannot hear the inspectors speak and experience first-hand their plan to close this school. We only have his written reports that the students debunk by pointing out the flaws in the inspector’s investigation. The threat of government intrusion and its old-school mentality is more implicit than seen.

Capture as capture can camera work presents a fly perspective on the wall. Only a few scenes seem artificial. The courtroom memorabilia editing is very inventive and a highlight of the film. Handwritten notes, sketches, and squiggles deftly enhance voice-overs. And when the complaint arises about the lack of toilets in the school, it is deliciously countered by a long series of toilets. The movie is an unbiased performance and the sections on swearing and sneaking around after the lights go out seemed as much a part of the story as the classroom activities.

“Imagine School – Summerhill” is a film that challenges those who think about education and the role of government in its regulation. This film illuminates the alternatives and 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: Willam 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; Publisher: Ann Jackman; Musical Composer: Justin Samaha; Produced by 418 Films, Ltd .; Duration: 67 minutes; Filmed in Great Britain and the United States. Not qualified. Available on DVD at Amazon.