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QUAKER SCHOOLS THE CHOICE OF PRESIDENTS

January 2009

Moving to a new school can be a challenge for any child … even when your Dad is the new president of the United States of America.

This month sees Sasha and Malia Obama enrol as new pupils at Sidwell Friends School. Based in Washington DC, the Quaker school was also the choice of Bill and Hillary Clinton for their daughter Chelsea.

But what is it about Quaker Schools that sets them apart from other independent schools and determines them as the choice of presidents?

Michael Goodwin is Head of Sibford School near Banbury. One of just seven Quaker Schools in the UK, Sibford is set in more than 50 acres of grounds and is surrounded by glorious Oxfordshire countryside.

“I think one of the biggest things that strikes people when they visit us is the sense of community, equality and friendship that runs throughout the school,” he says. “That is something which is inherent in all Quaker schools and it is certainly something that is likely to have influenced the Obama family in deciding where to educate their daughters.”

Established in 1842 as a boarding school for the children of Quaker families, Sibford School currently educates more than 420 youngsters aged between four and 18.

“Like other Quaker schools, our community has become increasingly diverse over the years,” says Michael. “We are no longer an educational establishment solely for the children of Quaker families. Today we welcome pupils from all faiths and all backgrounds.

“However, the Quaker belief that there is ‘that of God in everyone’ remains at the heart of all we do. We believe passionately in the uniqueness of every pupil, and know it is our job to seek out and nurture their gifts and develop their confidence to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

“We recognise that while some pupils will have a talent for mathematics, science or history, others may be gifted in the arts, horticulture or sport. 

“We therefore offer a broad and balanced curriculum where all disciplines are equally respected.”
Another distinctive element of Quaker schools is the regular Meeting for Worship that all pupils are expected to attend and respect.

‘Meeting’ mirrors the contemplative approach to Sunday worship practised by Quakers and provides both staff and pupils with the opportunity to spend time reflecting in silence.

At Sibford the whole school meets for worship first thing on Monday morning and last thing on Friday afternoon. Other year group and house meetings take place throughout the week.

Michael Goodwin says: “What pupils think about in that silence is up to them. Some may take the time to pray, others may be thinking about their homework or what they’re going to do later in the day. But that time spent in silence has a profound effect and contributes greatly to the overall calm of the school.

“Visitors who join us for Meeting for Worship never cease to be amazed by the fact that you can have 420 pupils sitting together in silence.”

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