Topic 5 – Weekly Reflection Blog Post

It was an early start on Friday, as I had volunteered to retrieve my group members for the field trip to The Pacific School of Innovation & Inquiry. I love to cram my friends into my green 1977 Volkswagen Bus, which I believe can be seen in Neena’s post. We discussed astrology as a fascist ideology as we bumped along the road to PSII. I took a deliberate detour through Beacon Hill Park since we had a little extra time.

PSII felt a bit claustrophobic at first. Something about the labyrinth-like little hallways felt very confined. However, the presentation on the school’s philosophy and operations was a pleasant surprise. I felt inspired by the schools self-directed learning practices, and their cross-curricular outcomes. The outdoor spaces of the school, particularly the walkway/terrace, was a nice contrast to the school’s inner-portions.

I could imagine myself working at a school like this one if it weren’t for its private status. I left inspired by their philosophy, yet grounded by the reality that such innovation often happens behind paywalls.