Most of Ken's working life has been in education, either formally as a secondary school teacher, a lecturer in higher education or as an educational consultant developing educational resources and programmes internationally. He was significant in the development of contemporary ideas around the circular economy and was Head of Innovation for the Ellen MacArthur Foundation (2010-2018). Ken is currently a Visiting Fellow at Cranfield University and a member of the Club of Rome's 21st Century Transformational Economics Commission. He is author of a number of books including Circular Economy: A Wealth of Flows (2017), The Wonderful Circles of Oz (A Circular Economy Story) with Alex Duff (2021) and Sense and Sustainability (2009) with Craig Johnson. Ken holds that education and critical thinking are central to all constructive change.
"Extraordinarily liberating and thoughtful ... it will help change you and those who you encounter for a lifetime." Sir Anthony Seldon."This book reminds us that learning is an effect of the communities we belong to, whether those are schools, friendship groups, families, clubs or digital networks. It also suggests that learning is a transformational process at personal, social and political levels. The book is timely as well as deeply engaging." Richard Andrews, Professor in Education, University of Edinburgh"This is a much-needed clarion call for education once again to be about the full development of an individual, including all their creativity, curiosity, sense of adventure and fun and enquiry, not just about the absorption of received wisdom. It is important and significant." Lord Chris Smith, Master of Pembroke College, Cambridge"Learning is central to who we are as humans. Learning excites us, motivates and fulfils us. The opportunity for learning exists all around us, in every person that we meet, and throughout our lives. What we experience in schools should be the starting point for a lifetime of curiosity, learning and excitement - and this is what the schooling system should be evaluated on, the ability for people to go into the world and deploy creativity and energy in every aspect of their lives. This book focuses attention on what needs to change in formal education; but this needs to be matched with the creation of opportunities and infrastructures for continual, informal learning, peer-to-peer, in our neighbourhoods and cities." Tessy Britton, Founding Chief Executive and Head of Design, Participatory City Foundation "A good educator doesn't teach - they share their view, engendering a love of learning and creative curiosity that becomes life's foundation. As the world has changed, it's time education caught up. In this important book James Pitt and Ken Webster have shared their view, and it is inspiring." Susan Scurlock MBE, Founder and CEO Primary Engineer"Abundance, participation, passion and a hope for humanity are themes that ring through this book which offers a well-balanced view of opportunities and possibilities for an education system with a strong moral purpose. Creating school communities which enable and inspire the 'turning over of a stone to see what lies beneath' and the 'unfolding of a person' seems to me to be a place where learning will lead to success. If we can co-create a curriculum that allows for spontaneity, stretching beyond zones of comfort and a habitual examination of assumptions, we are more likely to bring about sustainable change and better futures for all." Victoria Pendry, CEO The Curriculum Foundation."I worked with both James Pitt and Ken Webster over many years. It comes as no surprise to me that they have produced this short book which challenges the status quo in education. It provides a manifesto for those who wish to be informed and take action to improve the educational opportunities for all young people so that they are empowered to meet the challenges facing the world." Dr. David Barlex, formerly Director of the Nuffield Design & Technology Project
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