Our Story
Human Scale Education was set up in 1985 by Satish Kumar, Philip Toogood, Colin Hodgetts and Maurice Ash with the aim of promoting small, human scale learning communities within the state maintained and independent sectors of education. It was founded on the principle that Human scale learning environments can foster positive relationships, enabling teachers to know their students well and make possible a more holistic approach to learning.
Human Scale Education also took inspiration from E.F. Schumacher’s book Small is Beautiful which advocates small scale working units as a means to personal fulfilment, environmental sustainability and productivity. As Schumacher placed people at the heart of economics so Human Scale Education placed children and young people at the centre of education.
Since its foundation HSE has endeavoured to support small schools under threat of closure, sought public funding for small alternative schools outside the state sector and worked towards a wider adoption of the principle of restructuring large schools into small learning communities or “SWAS” (Schools Within A School).
In 2010 Mary Tasker stood down as Chair after 15 remarkable years in the role. Dr.Tony Breslin, formerly Executive Director of the Citizenship Foundation, was appointed HSEM’s new Chair and in 2011 the organisation appointed its first paid Director, James Wetz, to enable the organisation to expand its operations.
The appointment of a new Chair and Director has led to the adoption, by the Board, of a three-year development busines plan. Between 2012-2015 HSEM will be focussing on four programmes of work:
• Advocacy;
• Support for schools;
• Research and Dissemination;
• Organisational development.