Through a camera darkly

Dd has been making films with 9 other young people this week. They were let loose on the streets of Newcastle with cameras and sound equipment and a very broad theme to write, act and film something about being strong. At the screening yesterday, we were really impressed by the quality (one of the older kids is already an absolutely brilliant editor) but also by the ways in which they approached the theme. How can a bunch of under-15s come up with anything so DARK? We had some very sensitively handled stories of alcoholism, abuse, bullying, disability and surveillance - more issues than a 6-month run of East Enders! Some very funny moments too - especially the 'bloopers' reel (most of which I suspect were filmed deliberately!). Looks like we have another big enthusiasm on our hands.

Today's been a much more laid-back affair - just a nice, relaxing swim and a long soak in the jacuzzi ... aahhh!

Autonomy - an individual thing?

We've been in this picturesque setting for the past week. Dear daughter got to indulge her love of baroque and early music at the lovely Norvis (Northumbrian Recorder and Viol Society) summer school, where all manner of ensembles come together to play and sing.

The surroundings were absolutely gorgeous, and we saw rabbits, squirrels and huge dragonflies while we ate picnics on the lawn. The music was marvellous too - Rameau, Gibbons, Handel, Purcell (lots from the latter 2, due to significant anniversaries).

The jokes were probably just as ancient as the composers ...



Best of all, though the range of participant ages was from 12 to 80-something, dd got to spend time with several teenagers who share her enthusiasms. This music is a quirky minority interest for young people and it takes peculiarly strong-willed individuals to pursue it in preference to rock, R&B, or modern orchestral. Plus, they got to be kids together in the bar and social areas after each day's events - telling each other stories and playing games.

The schedule was frantic and yet we were totally energized by the experience. Dd couldn't stop smiling and would give me spontaneous hugs just to say thanks for bringing her to this lovely event.

This week has brought me to an interesting realization about autonomy, a topic hotly debated after the publication of an inflammatory article in the TES recently (TES article and comments). Dear daughter is genuinely happiest when she is busy, REALLY busy ... so long as she's flat-out actively doing something that she loves. I sometimes lose this understanding as I strive to ensure the kind of calm and space that I visualize as necessary for her to "unschool". It demonstrates how easy it is to be drawn into confusing autonomy with a completely laissez faire approach. Yet, in order for us to genuinely follow her wishes (surely the definition of autonomy in this case is to allow the young person to do what suits their own personality, energies and interests?) we have to be willing to facilitate her busy-ness, to take her to these events and let her use her energy in the way that she wants.