101. The Future of Cities E09: Kindergarten and school networks. w/Martin Harris

In this episode, André is talking with Martin Harris. Martin is the principal of The Lisboan School. It is an all-through school with places from the early years to year 13, of the British Curriculum. Martin has over 20 years of experience in being a Headmaster in schools across different latitudes. About 2 years ago Martin moved to Portugal to establish his school on his terms with a new educational model. Martin is also the Governor of St Mary's Calne charity organisation. Main topics covered: 🚀 What are the challenges of setting up an international school in Lisbon? ⚖️ What are the advantages of a non-traditional educational model? ⚡️ What are the advantages and disadvantages of relative freedom for pupils? Timestamps: Introduction of the guest [1:00] Did the school system recover after the pandemic [2:00] How did Martin develop an interest in education? [6:30] How did Martin become a Headmaster [10:00] Why did Martin decide to arrive in Portugal [12:20] How life in Portugal is different from the life in the UK [14:00] What Martin is doing in his free time [17:00] The founding of the Lisboan School [17:40] Choice of the location of the Lisboan School [20:00] What is making the Lisboan School different from the other [25:00] How high performers achieve by being educated properly [28:00] Freedom of choice in the British curriculum [31:00] Who were the educational experts Martin consulted with [33:30] Sustainability goal of the Lisboan School[35:30] Reward scheme for low-impact lifestyles [39:00] What has been the connection with the city council in school development [42:30] The pricing challenge of the school [44:00] Connection with already existing schools in Portugal [45:10] Kindergarten approach in the Lisboan School [46:20] What is the strategy for engaging kids in the after school activities [48:30] What does Martin enjoy the most about the school and being a Headmaster [52:00] What would Martin change in the educational moment if he had a superpower to immediately do that [53: