The FL-Diploma is based on similar qualifications and procedures used successfully by the Sudbury Valley Schools for over 50 years.
The Basis for Granting a Free Learner Diploma
A student who is ready to leave school can receive a FL-Diploma if they can justify the following proposition to the satisfaction of the Diploma Committee: “My experiences in life have enabled me to develop the problem-solving skills and the abilities needed to function independently in the world that I am about to enter.” In essence you are creating and presenting a school-leaving thesis that answers the question, why I am ready to leave school?
The thesis can be presented to the Diploma Committee in writing, video, works of art, digital or physical creation, or a combination of formats. In addition to the presentation, the graduation candidate must be prepared to answer questions and defend their thesis to the satisfaction of the committee.
Please note: in all professions and all aspects of private life there is an element of persuasion. Being able to bring people on board with your ideas, thoughts, plans, products, or services is a vital life skill. Knowing how to sell-yourself will enable you to get things done and build the life you want. “Selling” your thesis to others is great practice for your future and a wonderful demonstration that you are ready for the next step towards that future.
The thesis can be presented to the Diploma Committee in writing, video, works of art, digital or physical creation, or a combination of formats. In addition to the presentation, the graduation candidate must be prepared to answer questions and defend their thesis to the satisfaction of the committee.
Please note: in all professions and all aspects of private life there is an element of persuasion. Being able to bring people on board with your ideas, thoughts, plans, products, or services is a vital life skill. Knowing how to sell-yourself will enable you to get things done and build the life you want. “Selling” your thesis to others is great practice for your future and a wonderful demonstration that you are ready for the next step towards that future.
Students Eligible for a DiplomA
A candidate who has determined that they are ready, willing, and able to move to the next phase of their life is eligible for a FL-Diploma.
In order to convince your Diploma Committee that you are ready to “function independently in the world you are about to enter”, you will, in all likelihood, need to include some kind of plan as to what is next for you. There are so many options as to which world you are entering (university, travel, work, training, volunteering) and so your preparation can look very different depending on what you are choosing to do next. This is by no means a plan for your entire future, but a blueprint for how to approach what you want next. Your thesis and portfolio are designed to communicate how you will go about doing exactly that. |
The Diploma committee
Your Diploma Committee helps determine if you are ready to be awarded a Free Learner Diploma. It is the job of the Committee to thoroughly review your thesis, ask you clarifying questions, and then engage in a dialogue wherein you defend your thesis. This defense can be in person or virtual, with one committee member at a time or as a group. If one or more of the Committee does not believe you to be “ready” to be awarded a Diploma, that’s ok. In fact, it is valuable input. Step back and consider their reservations and decide what to do—adjust your thesis and try again; learn more before proceeding; or, move ahead with your plan.
Because you are a Free Learner, it is up to you to decide whom to ask to be on your Diploma Committee. Who are the 3-5 individuals that you respect as a person and admire as a citizen? Who are the people whose input on your "readiness for the next step in life" you would find valuable? Who would you trust to be honest and constructive about your plans?
The make-up of your Diploma Committee is an important decision. Perhaps you might think of someone you admire but do not know personally. Don’t let that stand in your way! Reach out to them and ask, because most people, no matter how busy or important, would be honoured to participate and assist a young person. It might be helpful to pick at least one representative from these categories:
Because you are a Free Learner, it is up to you to decide whom to ask to be on your Diploma Committee. Who are the 3-5 individuals that you respect as a person and admire as a citizen? Who are the people whose input on your "readiness for the next step in life" you would find valuable? Who would you trust to be honest and constructive about your plans?
The make-up of your Diploma Committee is an important decision. Perhaps you might think of someone you admire but do not know personally. Don’t let that stand in your way! Reach out to them and ask, because most people, no matter how busy or important, would be honoured to participate and assist a young person. It might be helpful to pick at least one representative from these categories:
- Family (i.e., parent, aunt/uncle, grandparent, older sibling)
- A role model who already has the experience you wish to gain
- Community (i.e., pastor/rabbi/elder, government leader, business leader, social leader, those of prominence in your area of interest)
- Teacher/mentor
- A person you might want to work with in the future
The FL-Diploma Process
- Develop a Diploma Committee “wish list” and begin contacting individuals to ask them to serve. Send them the link to the Unschooling School site and the Diploma process. Interview them so that you are confident that they understand the role and will perform their function as you would like.
- Confirm your Committee. If someone you originally thought would be a good member turns out not to seem appropriate, or be available, go onto the next person until you have a Committee that gives you confidence.
- Provide your Committee members with your thesis and ask for clarifying questions.
- Answer the questions and adjust your thesis as necessary. This is not a static process. You may need to ask for questions and provide clarifications a number of times before you are confident that your thesis is final and you are ready to defend it.
- Defend you thesis! This may be a one on one interview with each person, a presentation before an audience, a debate, or an open discussion. Choose a format that works for you and suits what you are looking to get out of your presentation.
- Make your decision. Has this processed helped you confirm that you are ready for ‘what is next’? If yes, wonderful, register your diploma (to receive an official Unschooling School Free Learner Diploma) and carry out your plan. If the answer is, no I don’t feel ready, wonderful. Now you can rethink your plans, your thesis, your defense and start again! This process is all about getting completely prepared for whatever is next for you. Go through some or all of the steps as many times as you need to until you can say to yourself, YES I AM READY!
Registration with Unschooling SchooL
Once you have defended your thesis to your complete satisfaction, you can fill out and submit this application. Unschooling School will send you a Free Learner Diploma, suitable for framing, as well as register you among our record of graduates.
Let’s face it. We are the pioneers of this movement. While your FL-Diploma may not yet mean something to everyone, every diploma started this way. The more learners who declare themselves FLs and follow their own passion and learning through life, the more chances we give to helping this become the new version of ‘the way things are done’.
Let’s face it. We are the pioneers of this movement. While your FL-Diploma may not yet mean something to everyone, every diploma started this way. The more learners who declare themselves FLs and follow their own passion and learning through life, the more chances we give to helping this become the new version of ‘the way things are done’.