6 Minute English - The Bamboo School

Introduction

• Hosts: Phil and Georgie
• Discussion on school experiences:
  • Some recall it as the best time; others the worst.
  • Georgie dislikes school rules; Bamboo School in Thailand allows students to create their own rules.

Overview of the Bamboo School

• Unique Concept:
  • Students run the school, responsible for all operations.
  • Responsibilities include:
    • Buying food for kitchens
    • Disciplining peers
    • Hiring staff
• Free Education:
  • Private school for poorer children; no school fees.
  • Students must fulfill responsibilities in return for education.

Key Features

• Teaching Responsibility:
  • Students manage all aspects of school life.
• Market Visits:
  • Students go to vegetable market twice weekly to buy food for 150 students.
  • Financial accountability managed by students (e.g., Nooneem manages food accounts).
• Hands-On Experience:
  • Students gain real-world experience, working on skills like leadership.

Student Perspectives

• Nooneem's Experience:
  • Enjoys practical experience with food accounts.
  • Values opportunities for personal development and skills enhancement.
• Community Service:
  • Students complete two hours of community service weekly.

Adult Involvement

• Teachers' Role:
  • Adults manage classroom while students handle school operations outside.
  • School is described as conventional yet innovative.

Vocabulary Recap

• Call the Shots:
  • Have the power to make important decisions.
• Hands-On Experience:
  • Actively involved in practical tasks rather than just theoretical learning.
• Real World:
  • Refers to how the world truly functions.
• Grown-Up:
  • Informal term for an adult.
• Kid:
  • Informal term for a child.
• Community Service:
  • Unpaid work helping the community.

Trivia Question Result

• Question: What must students do in return for education?
• Answer: Plant 400 trees each year (not learning English as guessed by Georgie).

Conclusion

• Reminder to join for more trending topics and vocabulary in future episodes.