Dutch Newspaper Explores Heritage’s Screen-Free Learning Culture

In mid-October, a journalist from the Dutch newspaper Trouw visited Heritage to learn about our alternative learning culture, where the distractions of screens and tech are replaced by a knowledge-rich curriculum that ‘prioritises reading books, nature and engaging in real-world activities and relationships’.

In common with other visitors to Heritage, Trouw journalist Niels Posthumus was immediately struck by the calm learning environment, as he spent time observing in the Year 5 classroom:

‘Everything in the classroom is designed to enhance their ability to focus. The lighting is soft, partly provided by table lamps. The walls display a piece of art and a world map, as in every classroom, along with some student projects. But they have deliberately been kept calm. And most importantly, there are no mobile phones, iPads, or televisions in sight. Students cannot access the internet throughout the school day—also not during breaks. Teachers … do not use electronic tools in their teaching.’

The article highlights how Heritage has been ahead of the curve, by adopting its screen-free approach from its foundation in 2007, as now an increasing number of parents, schools and governments are concerned about the dangers of giving children unlimited access to smartphones, with more schools looking to limit pupil’s smartphone use at school.

Mr Fletcher is quoted, explaining: ‘”The problem with the internet, smartphones, social media, and gaming is that they are destroying our capacity for attentive engagement…[technology] is taking an axe to the root of the tree of human flourishing.”‘ Because without the capacity to concentrate and to be curious, he argues, acquiring knowledge is difficult. It limits a child’s—and later an adult’s—potential for personal growth.’

If you have not yet visited for yourself, this article captures perfectly so much of what makes a Heritage education special and attractive; to read more, click here for an English translation of the full article, or to view the original in Dutch, with additional photographs, click here.