The Observer

Fragments In Passing

In memory of Ayla Halewood.

Stepping Out

Brockwood changed my life. Let me explain how…

A Faithful Friend

The sun tapped on my window and the reflection of green leaves…

On Racism

The thing about racism is that most people don’t know what it actually…

Staff Message

Including an announcement about the reunion. 

My Very Own Pool

Lying on the road to halt factory farm animals from going to…

…and more…

A World Re-turning

Thank God that’s over? Covid-19 Leads across the country find happiness…

Changing the World, One Dish at a Time

Let’s face it, the food industry is a complete shambles…

In Ponds We Trust!

n October 2020, a group of students and a staff member came together in a…

The Factory

The walls screamed history. Rubble, mould and unidentified…

Letting Go

We didn’t get to say goodbye. Maybe that’s why she sat on the same seat on the bus…

Think Big Go Tiny
Tiny houses are my absolute obsession. An average tiny house has a square footage of…

…and more…

One Year On And Counting

When the relentless march of life suddenly stops there is time to consider the direction and
nature of steps to come…

The Brockwood Lexicon

Things grow in a Brockwood student’s room. Micro-cultures fester in dank corners and crevices. Yet it’s the off-comment, rather than the off-milk, that we might want to pay attention to.

Educating Uma

I’ve never been to school before. Until the age of eight, my only source of learning
came from grandmother briefly teaching me to read and write. My parents never…

The Eye Of The Storm

I could give you numbers and statistics. Another bunch of words to do with mental health that you have no connection with. Endless facts and more information…

Hindsight

Simon felt different. The entire world felt different now. In reality nothing had changed the radio next door blared as loudly as before, and downstairs the violinist was about to start…

…and more…

Freedom in the Age of Instagram

Is there freedom in the age of Instragram? Student, Elle, explores the impact of Instagram on our mind and how it reveals the fragmented projections of ourselves.

Carried by the Danube

Student, Finn, shares a glimpse into their 3,000 kilometre long sailing trip down the Danube. He writes about the adventures they encountered with villagers, police, the forces of nature and the learning that occurred.

My Education, Unstrangled

Can students ever learn without external control? Student, Grace, writes about her school experience in and outside of Brockwood Park and inquires how natural curiosity and motivation can arise in a student.

Is Popular Art Good Art?

What is art? Can I call myself an artist even if no-one will like my art? And to what extent does personalized online browsing influence perhaps narrow our perceptions in life? Student, Nils, reflects on his journey in art and how it may influence life as a whole.

Canoe Building: A Sense of Self-Reliance

An honest reflection by students Abhisheka and Meher about their escape from monotony to the empowering experience of building a canoe for themselves.

…and more…

Learning from Trees

Is learning possible outside the confines of the classroom? Student Eva invites us to take inspiration from the trees and feel more connected as human beings.

A Different Way of Seeing

Staff member Olya explores, along with student perspectives, the art of observation, a different way of seeing, which doesn’t label. Observation is an important part of the Human Ecology course.

Immigration on Trial

Global Issues is the new course at Brockwood. It explores issues that affect our planet such as migrations and the difficult balance between law, politics and humanity.

Workshop Week

This year, the week included courses such as: African drumming, Creative Writing, Drama, Drawing, Jewelry Making, Pottery, Sound Escapes, Ballroom Dancing, Print-Making, Sculpture and Aerial Yoga.

‘She sees it now’

Student Anastasia took a term to visit and work at the Centre For Learning in India and describes how this experience taught her how to see things differently in our everyday life.

…and more…

Talking Tech

With a policy of zero phone use in public spaces, how do students feel about being disconnected from their tech? How does it affect the school atmosphere?

Individualised Education

Brockwood does not impose a pre-existing student timetable. Each student works with teachers and their academic advisor in planning and building their own highly individualised schedule designed around their needs and interests

Examining Exams

Many Brockwood students are currently preparing for exams, while others are preparing portfolios or are engaged in projects. Student Yoel looks at some views on time use at school.

Plastic: Talking Solutions

Student Maya examines ways to tackle the plastic waste problem by looking at both global and local initiatives.

Workshop Week

This year, the week included no less than ten courses: Afro-Brazilian Dance, Ballroom and Salsa Dancing, Band Workshop, Creative Writing, Drama, Drawing, Natural Cosmetics, Pottery, Storytelling, Dancing, and Yoga.

…and more…

Inquiring into Life

Inquiry into life, oneself and relationships is an integral part of Brockwood life. Here Raymond explores Brockwoods weekly Inquiry-Time means to him.

Global Environmental Solutions

Can we live sustainably in an urban environment? What actions can we take to reduce our carbon footprint? What initiatives are already happening in the urban landscapes which surround us? To learn more Brockwood has been visiting ecological projects in London.

What is the Point of Eduaction

Rather than looking at how we are educated, student Jaya explores why we are being educated. To learn more she visits educational projects around England and interviews members of the Brockwood community.

From the Garden to the Kitchen

Brockwood grows a substantial amount of its school food in its organic Garden. In this article, our Gardener and Chef discuss their role and how they work together to provide delicious and nutritious food in all seasons…

Black holes, spaghettification, and the mystery of the cosmos

Student Tereza explores some of the mysteries of the universe, such as what are black holes and what would happen if we were to pass through one?

…and more…

Brockwood organic garden

Known for its nutritious organic food the Brockwood Garden is a central aspect of life in Brockwood but it does more than produce food. Mature Student Olie shares with us some other Garden perspectives.

Towards a movement culture

Sports and Fitness Coordinator Thomas discusses the implications of modern life on our health and looks at ways we can use as the body as it was intended.

Workshop Week

Brockwood hosted its annual workshop week during the final week before Half Term.

Brockwood’s journalism

Our two junior journalists take a look at some important issues.Student Maggie explores the Syrian refugee crisis and student Shaurya analyzes the effects of marketing on children.

Whatever happened to?

Former Student Leila de Vos Van Steenwijk

 

…and more…

Brockwood investigates

Probing investigations by Brockwood’s budding journalists into the effects of China’s one-child policy, and into the current refugee crisis in Europe and the Middle East.

Brockwood in motion

What are the effects of competition on sport. How do we meet that in a non-competitive Krishnamurti School? Journalists Wib and Surya investigate.

Artistic Endeavours

Photography, painting, printing, pottery, sculpting! Students have been busy in the Art Barn creating all manner of wondrous artistic items. Take a look at a few of them in our centre-page spread.

Reflections

Student Meli explores why people smoke and explains her decision to quit.

J. Krishnamurti, Silence and Music

Maria João Pires Beethoven Concert at Cadogan Hall, London. Saturday 3rd September 2016, 7:30pm

 

…and more…

The Brockwood Climate Change Conference

In preparation for the International Climate Change conference in Paris and as part of their Human Ecology programme, students and mature students took the initiative to run Brockwood’s own version of the conference.

Brockwood’s Emergent Curriculum

We continue to discover and apply a curriculum that can equip the students to meet and challenge the world we live in confidently and awaken in them a learning based on awareness, sensitivity and something beyond the memorisation of ‘facts’.

The Brockwood Land Course

The Brockwood Land Course was initiated last year in order to encourage young people to reconnect with nature, become aware of the impact we are having on the natural environment locally and globally, acquire competence to work practically and intelligently with the land and envisage a more sustainable lifestyle.

J. Krishnamurti, Silence and Music

Maria João Pires Beethoven Concert at Cadogan Hall, London. Saturday 3rd September 2016, 7:30pm

 

…and more…

BROCKWOOD REACHING OUT!

After many years in the Co-Principals’ ”hot seat” at Brockwood, Adrian Sydenham is about to exchange it for an airline seat as he travels the world doing much needed outreach, the purpose and pitfalls of which are reflected upon in this article.

FROM BROCKWOOD TO BANGALORE AND BACK

One of the benefits of a Brockwood education is the opportunity to experience India via a visit to our sister Krishnamurti schools. Students Anna and Tejo recount the importance of such a trip for them.

THE PERFORATED MOMENT

We learn the important lessons in life in a variety of ways, and for Arina that seems to have happened at the pottery wheel when she saw “…what is real exists now, in front of me; it is the hands, the cold wheel, the murky grey clay, the flying specks of dust”. She learnt that to centre the clay is to centre oneself.

AN INSPIRING FARM ADVENTURE

How many of us would be game enough to take a group of lively 8 to 10 year olds away for three nights on a camping trip to an organic farm? Well, a group of Inwoods staff did, and it inspired them as much as it did the children.

…and more…

BEHIND THE CULINARY CULTURE

An explosion of smells, numerous kinds of dishes and peculiar culinary techniques are all features of the Brockwood Food Festival and what fabulous looking dishes it results in.

ON CLIMBING TREES

Not many students consider tree climbing an important part of their learning in school, but Noemi does, meditating on her relationship with the tree while giving sensible instructions for the beginner.

AT EACH JUNCTURE THERE LIES A JEWEL

It happens once in 5 years, takes a whole year to prepare for, involves a huge amount of work, runs for 5 days and attracts hundreds of people; it is of course an alumni reunion.

HOW WE USED THE MONEY

Once a year Brockwood runs an Annual Appeal to raise the necessary funds to support the good work that goes on here; this explains how that money was used and the benefits that flowed from it.

 

…and more…

WITH LOVE AND WONDER

The journey, as a solitary traveller, to two of our sister schools in India had a profound impact on Brockwood teacher, Fazila Benoit.

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO… ?

Having recently brought his own son to Brockwood as a student, Pablo Severin is reminded of the day in 1973 when he was dropped off here, feeling terribly alone.

POEMS IN THE GROVE

With the arrival of spring the Grove is bursting with colour and life and there is no better place to sit beneath a tree and read poetry.

BROCKWOOD OBSERVED

Question: what do the replica cockpit of a Spitfire, two horizontal top-bar bee hives and some freshly baked bread, pizza and brioche have in common? Answer: they were all made by students, mature students and staff.

 

…and more…

WHERE ARE WE FROM?

One of the special features of Brockwood is the international mix of students and staff which is impressive for a small school.

DISCOVERY CONTINUES EACH DAY

Without them we would struggle to make the whole place run smoothly; the Mature Students are a key part of the life of Brockwood, but what do they make of the place?

POETRY AND ART

The arts are always popular at Brockwood and our centre pages are devoted to some examples of student’s and staff work which we hope you will enjoy.

INWOODS SMALL SCHOOL

The Observer now has a page dedicated to the activities at Inwoods, our small school for children aged 5 to 11. In this issue teacher Evelyn Mackintosh writes about what she feels makes the school special.

 

…and more…

MAKING MAGIC WITH METAL AND WOOD

Woodwork and metalwork teacher Clive Dunkley has been at Brockwood for many years and here some of the marvellous work the students produce is showcased.

SOMETHING VERY SPECIAL IS TAKING PLACE…

Former student, Reuben Weininger, has been a regular visitor to Brockwood over the last few years and this time it was to give a workshop on the application of yoga in the healing professions.

THE OPENING OF THE PAVILIONS

A big event for Brockwood shown here in photos with a brief explanation of some of the features that make these buildings special.

SUMMER DELIGHTS

As if life in the Brockwood kitchen isn’t busy enough, school cook, Sarai Alons, gives two recipes selected from the range of items students and staff decided to bake for a local fair.

 

…and more…

A LOOK INTO MYSELF?

A searching question from a challenging class gives a student pause to stop and think about the personal and the public.

THE AIR IS VERY PURE…

Very seldom does a guest get to stay so long, or to see so much of Brockwood life as did the subject of this interview, which is just a foretaste of the book to follow.

SECRETS FROM OUR KITCHEN

Our chef may bury her nose in cookbooks frequently but these delightful dishes are her own creations.

WHAT IS THOUGHT?

In this extract, Krishnamurti explores with Brockwood students questions about the nature of thought and the self in a clear and concise manner which cuts to the heart of the issue.

 

…and more…

BROCKWOOD IN INDIA

India holds a special place in the hearts of many Brockwoodians, and this year the relationship has been further strengthened by two very different journeys there.

INDIA IN BROCKWOOD

An inspirational small school in India found the funding to send most of their teaching staff to Brockwood for a very special three-week visit.

THE BEDROOM SERIES

The empty bedrooms and apartments assigned to students and staff when they come to Brockwood soon become personalized refuges, revealing something of their occupants.

THIS IS YOUR HOME

Wherever life may take us, we need to be able to carry the feeling of being at home. Krishnamurti explores with students and staff what this requires of each one of us.

 

…and more…

QUESTION EVERYTHING

One student considers the impact of the entire student body spending eight hours in dialogue over two days.

TASTE OF AUTUMN

For years our numerous apple trees have given us more fruit than we know what to do with, but not any more!

DUO DISCOVER DULCIMER

Perhaps it was the “melancholy, wisdom and passion” of Persian classical music that has attracted two students to learn the dulcimer.

PRESENT TENSE

A new series of presentations at Brockwood, given by former students and invited guests.

 

…and more…

OUR LIVING IS SUPERFICIAL

J.Krishnamurti with Staff and Students at Brockwood Park, 12 June 1983.

THE PAVILIONS PONDERED

Mike Davies ponders what it is about our new Pavilions that makes them Green.

PARENTS WEEKEND

At Brockwood we seldom see the parents of students but once a year that all changes.

‘TO KNOW IS NOT ENOUGH’

Lionel Claris considers what it means for students to ‘learn to learn in a way that they love’.

 

…and more…

PAVILIONS PROJECT UPDATE

Brockwood Pavilion project has lifted off. (News updates will regularly be posted on the blog.)

FIRST TERM REFLECTION

Glimpses of the term through photography, art and poetry.

PAST & PRESENT

Steve Smith remembers the late Jim Fowler; last summer’s Teaching Academy.

THE KITCHEN SPECIAL

Life in the School kitchen; Head Chef Sarai Alons’ favourite recipe.

 

…and more…

REFLECTIONS

Recovered writing among the recycle bin and two students impression of Cinema Studies.

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Students travel to Japan for a tour of Tokyo and another student shares her experience of living in India for one term.

PAVILION PROJECT UPDATE

Trustees approve plan to go through with building project and a recent donation from Holland supporting it.

STUDENT WORK

Painting, Poetry and Photography. Creativity throughout Brockwood!

 

…and more…

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Students travel to the Highlands of Scotland for tree planting and a small group visits the museums of Paris.

Q: WHERE DID THEY GO?

Former Brockwood student and staff, now living in the USA, share on life before, during, and after BP.

AUTUMN WEE

A week of professional workshops, visiting teachers, and activities for all.

REUNION & EVENTS

Response to the 2009 Reunion and an upcoming Teacher’s Academy hosted by Brockwood Park this July.

 

…and more…

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Student trips to India, Germany’s Black Forest, and Stratford upon Avon.

DRAWN TOGETHER

Student art projects from months of research, planning, and exploration.

Q: WHERE DID THEY GO? A: AFRICA

Two former Brockwood students share their work in Ethiopia and Kenya.

WHO IS MY NEIGHBOUR?

Steve Smith reflects on his relationship with one of Brockwood’s neighbours.

BROCKWOOD IN BRIEF

Guest speakers, performances, new staff and reunion Information

 

…and more…

Back in time to the first Brockwood Observer appeared in 1971.