Learning at Wood School Bali

At Woodschool, our educational approach is guided by the principles of Neohumanist Education, which focuses on developing well-rounded individuals who are connected to themselves, others, and the world around them. Below is an explanation of these core values and how they are integrated into everyday learning.

1. Holistic Development

Explanation: We believe in nurturing every part of a child – Students body, mind, and spirit. This means that education isn't just about academic achievement; it's about helping children grow in all areas of life. We aim to develop physical health through activities and play, intellectual skills through critical thinking and creativity, and spiritual growth by fostering a sense of purpose and connection to something greater than oneself.

Examples at School: In practice, holistic development looks like integrating physical activities like yoga and outdoor play into daily routines, encouraging creative projects in art and music, and providing opportunities for self-reflection and mindfulness practices.

2. Universalism

Explanation: Universalism teaches children to see themselves as part of a larger, interconnected world. It fosters empathy, understanding, and respect for all forms of life, regardless of culture, religion, or background. The goal is to help children develop a sense of unity with all people and the planet.

Examples at School: In our school, this might involve multicultural days where students learn about and celebrate different cultures, classroom discussions that encourage empathy and understanding, and activities that connect students to nature and the global community.

3. Joyful Learning

Explanation: We believe that learning should be a joyful and engaging experience. When children are happy and curious, they learn more effectively. Our approach emphasises experiential learning – learning by doing – which includes art, music, nature, play, and hands-on activities. This helps children develop a lifelong love for learning.

Examples at School: Joyful learning is seen in our approach to lessons that include creative projects, outdoor exploration, and interactive games that make learning fun. For example, our garden activities allow students to learn about science and nature in a hands-on way.

4. Ethical Leadership

Explanation: Ethical leadership is about teaching children to make good decisions and to act with integrity, compassion, and responsibility. We aim to develop future leaders who are not only knowledgeable but also care about making a positive impact in their communities and the world.

Examples at School: This value is cultivated through classroom discussions on ethics and social responsibility, encouraging student-led projects that benefit the community, and role-playing scenarios where students can practice decision-making skills based on ethical considerations.

5. Selfless Service (Seva)

Explanation: Selfless service, or Seva, is about acting with kindness and generosity without expecting anything in return. It teaches children the value of helping others and contributing to the well-being of their community and the world.

Examples at School: Students participate in service projects like school clean-ups, visiting local care homes, or organizing charity drives. These activities help students understand the joy of giving and the importance of thinking beyond themselves.

6. Environmental Awareness and Connection

Explanation: We emphasize the importance of caring for our planet and understanding our connection to the environment. Environmental awareness teaches students to be mindful of how their actions impact the Earth and to take steps to live more sustainably. 

Examples at School: Our curriculum includes outdoor education, nature walks, and gardening activities that teach students about the environment and sustainability. We also encourage practices like no single-use plastic, conserving water, and reducing waste as part of daily routines.

7. Values-Based Learning

Explanation: Values-based learning is about teaching children not just academic skills, but also important life values like honesty, kindness, respect, and a growth mindset. This approach helps students develop a strong moral compass and guides their actions and decisions throughout their lives.

Examples at School: We integrate values-based discussions into daily lessons, use stories and role-playing to teach important virtues, and recognise students who demonstrate these values in their behaviour.

At our Neohumanist school, teachers are more than educators; they are role models who embody and integrate the school's values in their teaching and daily interactions.

Modelling Values in Interactions: Teachers demonstrate empathy, kindness, and respect through their behaviour with students. By actively listening, showing compassion in conflicts, and using positive reinforcement, they create a classroom environment that reflects our core values.

Integrating Values into Lessons: Every lesson reinforces key values. Activities are designed to highlight values such as honesty, cooperation, and environmental stewardship. For example, group projects emphasise teamwork and fair play, while subjects like science connect to real-world issues, fostering global responsibility.

Creating a Value-Based Classroom Culture: Teachers establish norms that align with Neohumanist principles. Daily reflections and gratitude exercises help students internalise values such as self-discipline, kindness, and accountability.

Encouraging Reflection: Teachers guide students to reflect on their behaviour and decisions. Questions like, “How did our actions impact others?” promote self-awareness and moral reasoning, helping students understand the importance of values in everyday life.

Facilitating Meaningful Discussions: Open discussions about values, ethics, and social issues are encouraged, allowing students to express their thoughts and learn to consider different viewpoints. This helps develop empathy and understanding of complex moral concepts.

Designing Experiential Learning: Hands-on activities, such as community service or environmental projects, allow students to practice values in real-world settings. These experiences teach the importance of taking action and making a positive impact.

Personalizing Learning: Teachers recognize each child's unique strengths and challenges, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. This personalized approach helps students develop a strong sense of self and community.