SOS: The School of the (Im)Possible. 

What if S.O.S, a secret organisation from the future, found a way to communicate with our time? What if they invited children to embark on a secret mission: to help save our planet?

The ‘School of the (Im)Possible’ is an immersive participatory educational experience for 8-10 year olds. Using live role play, virtual and augmented reality in classrooms, it trains the children into becoming our teachers and gives voice to the meaningful perspectives and expectations of the young generation for the future.A time travelling bookshelf appears in classrooms around the world filled with mysterious still-to-be-written books from the future. Over a few months, the interactive books engage the students in different embodied and sensorial challenges; from the school surroundings to a nature trail to visit the “portal to the future” (a green space in their local community). The participants are challenged to protect the “portal” whilst they learn about climate change. Their final challenge is to lead the ‘School of the (Im)Possible’: a day in which the children are the teachers, and the adults take the role of ‘students’, learning about the children’s experiences, and what their vision is for a sustainable future.

Piloted in Brazil in 2021, with support from ITAC, the School of the IMpossible has begun its journey to becoming a global phenomenon. Winning a British Council International Collaboration award and Joining forces with The Necessary Space, it has opened projects in Scotland and developed an online interactive platform. Discussions with several other countries are taking place with a view to building a global community, opening more portals and empowering more children to become agents for change.

Changes in Knowledge:

Working with curriculum experts the School of the (IM)possible has embedded learning across all subjects using climate reality as a focus for exploration. As well as enhancing the school curriculum the project has supported

  • Increased knowledge about causes and effects of climate change in both pupil
  • Supported teachers and children in gaining new awareness about climate change
  • Coached teachers and children in  identifying  the causes and effects of climate change in their local area and engaging their communities
Changes in Discourse:

Using embedded role play led by teaching artists the School of the Impossible has created a dynamic learning environment where 

  • The Children's knowledge and perspective allows them to drive the learning.
  • Children become teachers and adults the learners in a shift from the usual positions in the final School of the (Im)Possible Event
  • Parents, teachers, and children interact in a fun and engaging way to tackle the climate change issues. 
Changes in Attitudes:

By engaging the children and teachers in an iterative and ongoing process and offering continued engagement via the interactive platform,

  • Children genuinely view themselves as agents of change.
  • Negative perceptions about the environment and nature shift to a more optimistic view.
  • A community of children and teachers is growing globally.

If you would like to know more about The School of the (IM)possible please get in touch with Francine Kliemann at francine@platocultural.com or Simon Sharkey at simon@thenecessaryspace.com

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