Developing independent learners

The Box Hill School experience

Abstract

Box Hill School is an independent school in Surrey, England. In 2008 the English curriculum was abandoned
in favour of the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBD). A library is a statutory requirement of the
International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) endorsement who also recommend this be managed by a
qualified teacher-librarian. In May 2008, I was employed to create a library and develop independent
learning throughout the school. This paper considers the rationale behind the physical design. It outlines the
implementation of independent learning in an international school community where no infrastructure to
promote this style of teaching and learning previously existed.