Do you know the term alternative school?
These are schools that respect children's individuality and autonomy, operating based on unique educational philosophies and curricula.
Located in Tamashima, Kurashiki City, Chikurin no Schole is one of the alternative schools and free schools. It was established in 2023, emphasizing learning that values children's "wants."
Chikurin no Schole began as a result of the natural farming activities continued by the NPO Kono Sato.
We spoke with the representative, Kataoka Tetsuya, about the background of its establishment and his thoughts on the activities.
What is "Chikurin no Schole"
Chikurin no Schole is an alternative school (free school) operated by the NPO Kono Sato.
It was established in April 2023 by developing abandoned farmland in the Hoida area of Tamashima, Kurashiki City.
Currently, there are 20 registered students, including 14 elementary school students and 6 middle school students.
On the premises, there is a "Schole Park" created by developing natural farming fields, waterways, and ponds. Schole Park also has handmade swings, and the children spend their days in rich nature.
Learning that respects children's "wants"
The curriculum at Chikurin no Schole is designed to value children's spontaneous feelings of "want."
The day starts with a morning gathering called "Asa no Wa."
Students engage in learning during "Manabi no Wa" and have free activities during "Jibun Tankyuu" time. After that, they reflect on the day during "Bi no Jikan," where they clean with gratitude, and conclude with "Kaeri no Wa."
"Team Inquiry" where children decide their activities
One of the distinctive activities is "Team Inquiry," where children are divided based on their interests.
There are teams for Asia, Europe, crafts, smoking, Bravo, Japanese cuisine, and art, and they decide the content themselves.
For example, in the "Smoking Team," they boil bamboo shoots they dug themselves and challenge making smoked food while researching the mixture for the smoking liquid. In the "Japanese Cuisine Team," they are not only making steamed buns but also discussing starting with "Let's cultivate azuki beans."
Learning about food is also practical.
They are 100% self-sufficient in rice, with the children responsible for everything from planting to harvesting. Cooking rice is also the children's role, where they measure, wash, and set the rice cooker for the number of people that day.
They also decide on "rice duty" and "cleaning duty" through discussions among themselves.
Experiencing "work" through Petit Detchi
Additionally, for middle school students, they implement a workplace experience called Petit Detchi.
They work once a semester at places like hair salons, barbecue restaurants, and sushi shops to learn about the workings of society.
We spoke with Kataoka Tetsuya, the representative director of the NPO Kono Sato, about the motivation behind the establishment and his thoughts on running the school.
Data on NPO Kono Sato
| Organization Name | NPO Kono Sato |
|---|---|
| Industry | Free school business |
| Representative Name | Kataoka Tetsuya |
| Year Established | 2021 |
| Address | 2970 Tamashima To, Kurashiki City (Chikurin no Schole) |
| Contact | Email: info@konosato.org |
| Website | Chikurin no Schole |
