Education is more than just lessons and exams—it’s about the experiences that shape us, the teachers who inspire us, and the moments that ignite a lifelong love of learning.
For me, The Prep-Pods weren’t just an idea—they were the culmination of memories, personal experiences, and a deep appreciation for creativity in education. They were inspired by the journey of my own learning, from the wonder of childhood discovery to the structured world of academia.
But it all began with a simple walk with my mum…
A Kindergarten Accident (That Changed Everything!)
One day, when I was about three years old, my mum took me for a walk. As we passed the local Kindergarten and Primary School, something caught my eye, children playing in the playground and a teacher walking among them, with a trail of happy students following her. Without hesitation, I ran up to the railings, fascinated by the lively scene. The teacher noticed me and came over to speak with my mum. A few moments later, she asked a life-changing question:
"Would she like to stay for the afternoon? You can collect her later." And just like that, I started school!
I still remember the feeling of being gently settled down for an afternoon nap in a cosy hammock-style cot, staring up at the huge globe lights on the ceiling. It was a time of:
Drawing and colouring
Singing and dancing
Exploring creativity in every lesson.
This early experience of creative learning was the foundation of Prep-Pod 1, a space where children could play, imagine, and express themselves freely.
The Next Step
Then came the transition to the next grade, where things became more structured. Creativity made way for:
Cursive writing
Multiplication tables
Reading aloud
Despite the shift, there were moments of joy and discovery, particularly in creating a nature table. I loved collecting treasures from the outdoors and growing hyacinth bulbs in glass jars. The scent of those delicate flowers has stayed with me for a lifetime.
However, not all school experiences were positive. I faced disappointment when I didn’t pass my exams for High School. But life had another path for me…
The following year, I was encouraged to take a different exam that focused on typing, shorthand, and business studies. And this time? I passed.
It was a lesson in resilience, learning doesn’t always follow a straight path, and success comes in many different forms. This became the essence of Prep-Pod 2, where students learn through practical skills, hands-on experiences, and personal growth.
A World of Discovery
By the time I entered my teenage years, the world was changing rapidly, the 1960s were alive with music, creativity, and new ideas.
Beatlemania was everywhere!
Science lessons introduced Bunsen burners, litmus paper, and exciting experiments.
Domestic science taught us baking, cooking, sewing, and knitting.
It was a blended education, where academic learning and life skills were taught side by side. That blend is exactly what Prep-Pod 3 represents, a space for science, creativity, and independence to thrive together.
The Influence of Steiner Education
Years later, when I lived in an eco-community in Scotland, I was introduced to Steiner education, a philosophy that focuses on:
Creative learning through storytelling, poetry, and art.
A strong connection with nature and the environment.
A non-competitive approach to education, with no grading in primary levels.
It was a revelation. This holistic way of learning aligned so deeply with what I had valued in my own education, the idea that learning should be an adventure, not just a race toward grades. And so, The Prep-Pods were created, each reflecting a different stage of learning:
Prep-Pod 1… A place of wonder, imagination, and early discovery.
Prep-Pod 2… A structured yet hands-on learning environment where skills begin to take shape.
Prep-Pod 3… A fusion of science, creativity, and personal growth.
To guide these students, Ms. Hart was created, a tutor inspired by the very first teacher I saw through those school railings all those years ago.
Learning is a Lifelong Adventure
From the moment I peered through those school railings as a child, to the day I first discovered Steiner education, every experience helped shape what would become The Prep-Pods.
Education is not just about memorizing facts. It’s about:
Curiosity… Encouraging children to explore and ask questions.
Creativity…Using art, music, and storytelling to deepen understanding.
Practical Learning… Blending knowledge with real-life skills.
This is the heart of The Prep-Pods, a place where learning is about more than just lessons. It’s about growing, imagining, and finding joy in discovery.
What Inspired Your Love of Learning?
We all have that one moment, one teacher, or one experience that shaped our learning journey.
What was yours?
Did you have a subject or experience that stayed with you for life?
Because education is more than just school, it’s the way we see the world, the way we grow, and the way we dream. And maybe, just maybe, it all starts with a child pressing their face against a school railing, watching the magic of learning unfold.
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