The alternative schoolings seem to all focus on the more holistic development of the child and put less focus on examinations and qualifications. They all put the choice on the child for what they would like to learn and allow them to develop in their own time. They differ from mainstream schooling as they do not put timeframes on what a child should be learning at a certain age and are more flexible for what qualifications you can achieve.

I would be open to alternative education as I see value in creating a less stressful learning environment. However, it is a hard choice to make as I have been through mainstream education I would fear my child may not choose to engage in an alternative system and could slip through the cracks of society. I believe that mainstream education could take more from the alternative systems and reduce stress on young people.

There are a couple of ways Alternative education differs from the mainstream education system in the uk. The alternative schooling system seems to focus more on emotional and social development in comparison to academic skills. There seems to be a push for children taking control and possession over their own childhood experiences which in turn leaves them with the skills for high emotional intelligence which is sought after in many workplaces.

I do feel there are multiple benefits when it comes to alternative schooling such as being more in touch with yourself and your own development however I do think that our mainstream schooling approach in the uk prepares us most for the society the uk. However, I do think that our schooling system could learn something from the alternative education system. Such as, letting children have a little more freedom to do what they love and thrive in alongside our curriculum.