In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act.

- George Orwell

1. Is The Blue Mountains School (BMS) a Krishnamurti School?

Not really. We do not follow any given ‘philosophy, method or religion’ – be it Krishnamurti, Steiner or Montessori.

Whether or not the school meets any particular criteria largely depends on whether all those associated with the school - parents, students,teachers and administration alike - all share a common understanding of its original intention. We do try and maintain the vision of our Founder, F.G. Pearce who was no doubt inspired by J. Krishnamurti’s Teachings on Education.

BMS is concerned with awakening qualities of compassionate intelligence and integrity while allowing the natural and wholesome development of the physical, mental and other aspects of the child. The School is concerned with the child’s discovery of what it is to grow with clarity, with harmony, with beauty and in freedom.

So, ultimately, it depends on interpretations, and over the years, BMS has interpreted philosophies; taken the essence of all that has been said by its Founder, other great thinkers, philosophers, educationists; to fit in with contemporary realities…and we come closest to being identified with the philosophies of two great Theosophists, namely, J. Krishnamurti and Steiner.

2. How do pupils fit into the outside world after passing out from BMS?

“Success is not defined by academic achievement” – Anon

We feel that BMS pupils are better prepared for the outside world than most other young people. They are more sensitized to the world. Most are used to being in control of their own lives and making decisions for themselves – just as all adults do in their daily lives.

Critics say there are many things in the outside world that have to be done, such as earning a living. What is earning a living but another facet of being responsible? Our pupils face similar situations in their everyday lives at the school all the time. One of the many things that BMS pupils learn is to take responsibility for themselves and the community around them. You have to be self-motivated. This is true of all of us in adult life. They learn to get on and deal with things by themselves.

The problem or fear that people really have stems from their own conditioning of what success means to them. At BMS, we do not want children to be “a mere projection of the desires and fears of their parents.” Nor do we “throw adult bullshit at them!” The school tries to help the student discover interests and livelihood possibilities that are not merely the reflection of current values and trends in society. This demands a clarity from teachers and parents that does not succumb to anxiety about the future

We provide our children decision making processes to learn from, giving them inner strength and courage to start living in the adult world outside. Although when theyleave, like many others, they may find some rules petty and unnecessary, but theyare tolerant, sensitive, understanding and resilient enough to deal with it.

3. Do BMS pupils take exams?

Yes, the children take the examination syllabus at IX and above, appearing for the ICSE AND ISC.

All academic learning is individualised and a special academic syllabus exists for VIII and below, aimed at real, meaningful, broad-based learning through an Enquiry approach.

4. What particular qualities do you expect BMS pupils to acquire?

Which else shall beautify a home, But the flame of a lovely lamp? Which else shall adorn the mind, But the light of wisdom deep?          Swami Chimayananda

Obviously this depends to some degree upon the personal circumstances of the child before and during their stay at the school. Some children who come to the school with problems are still going to have to deal with many of them into their adult lives.

BMS does not pretend to give a Utopian solution to all problems nor does it proclaim to have a ‘magic-formula’ that will take care of everything. The child has to be nurtured. The only disability in life is a bad attitude.

So, besides the qualities of self-esteem, tolerance, integrity, fairness, understanding, sensitivity, compassion, assertiveness, creativity, individuality, humour, self-motivation, truth and common sense…we expect a BMS child to have the quality of understanding their own unique existence and the courage to walk alone, if need be!

5. Why do parents send their children to BMS?

Most parents believe in the philosophy of the school, but we also inevitably get some pupils who have had problems at other schools and come here to get away from them.

Sometimes parents want to admit teenagers. This may not always work-out as the change and de-schooling could be too challenging.

6. Is BMS suitable for all children – or do some need more structure?

All children respond to personal freedom and self-government. The only time it does not work is when there is friction between the school and the home. Children are very sensitive to moods and will sense when their parents are not happy with them being at BMS.

There may be some who find the concept of freedom and way of learning at BMS a challenging phenomenon and may misunderstand the process and concepts – unable to differentiate between freedom and licence and take responsibility for their actions.

This could lead to problems creating negative feelings within the community. We
will make all attempts to dilute the situation and extend as much help as possible
to the child. However, if we feel that the remedial and democratic action is not
working, then sadly, in such cases, the child will have to go.

Note for Visitors/Parents

By general consensus smoking is strictly prohibited within the School premises.Over the years, BMS has attracted many visitors, sometimes in groups. This can betiring for a small community like ours. As such, there are a few points, which the School would ask you to bear in mind during your visit, especially if you are part of a group.

Visitors are requested to intimate the school, well in advance, about their arrival.

We are not just a just a school, but a place where people live – for many, their only home. Please respect this fact by not walking through the school without permission; by not entering rooms without knocking first; respecting personal property. Please don't wander into people's bedrooms without seeking their permission even if they are empty. Our Chefs are volatile! You need to check with them too, before entering the kitchen areas.

If you wish to attend a lesson/class, you are expected to speak with the teacher/facilitator first…how you do this without disturbing is something you need to discover! The teacher/facilitator can then seek the class’s opinion. Generally, there are no problems but on occasions it may not be appropriate to have visitors in a class.

Visitors may not be offered meals.

Visitors are not allowed in any living area without prior permission from the Principal and only if the occupant/s of that area agree.

Visitors will not take pupils out of the school.

Some people object strongly to being photographed or video taped. Please ask first before doing this.

Visitors will not give material/cash gifts to anybody in the school.

Parents will not give material/cash gifts to anybody in the school. All such items, if any, are to be given to the Principal and a Receipt collected. These ‘gifts’ will then go to the School’s Gifts Disbursal Committee for proper and transparent utilization that benefits the community.