While other educational institutions think mostly about setting up Centres for Excellence or centres for academic research, the famous Woodstock School in Mussoorie cannot but choose a different path .It has set up, for its students, a Centre for Imagination!
This Centre for Imagination transforms the way in which Woodstock education is experienced in the 21st century – inspiring young people to discover that there is far more within them than they think, to discover their grand passion in life and to explore what it means to live from a strong sense of vocation. After all, when the imagination is set free, the horizons of possibility are infinite.
This unique centre was created to make education reflective and responsive to the world we now inhabit.It aims at empowering young people to successfully navigate the global, systemic challenges ahead.
It does this by showing young people the complexity of the world they inhabit, and encouraging them to take responsibility for shaping their future.New ways of learning are imagined and followed, new paths of action are charted and new initiatves are incubated.
The Centre for Imagination hosts a range of events that bring students and staff together in a lively atmosphere of joint exploration. Events emerge from student initiative, pressing global issues, and in alignment with the wider school’s weekly themes.The commitments that shape the ethos of the Centre for Imagination include authenticity, independent thinking, and giving young people the support and freedom to make their own, good choices. Every effort is made to preserve an atmosphere of joint exploration and experimentation.
Aligned with the school’s theme for the week, the Centre screens a documentary each week, followed by a discussion on how students can take action.
There is a weekly discussion outside the classroom about what is happening in the world and what actions students can take.
Also, each week professionals from different backgrounds share their journeys, giving inspiration to young people for how they can find their paths in the world.
A group of students have already formed a social entrepreneurs’ society called The Start Up Hub. Taking on the task of improving communication throughout the Woodstock community, they are designing an app that will also work to eliminate waste around the school. Three students were so inspired by the idea of the Centre that they have taken on the task of creating a stop-motion animation video to capture and communicate the purpose of the Centre for Imagination and share it widely. Five student interns work with the Centre to gain real work experience in event planning, communications, project management, photography, and journalism. In order to expand the learning experience for students, the Centre for Imagination will begin hosting visitors and scholars to share their knowledge and expertise, work with students on specific projects, and inspire young people to find their own path in the world.
The Centre for Imagination is currently in conversation with all many individuals and organisations to plan an exciting year of learning for Woodstock’s students.