A Campus Without Bells
Inspired decades ago by the educational philosophy of “Natural Development” proposed by Academician Hsia, Hui-Wen, it was decided that the traditional ringing of campus bells, dictating the timing of student learning, would not be desirable. In the daily life of the Kai Ping Culinary School campus, one does not hear the “Ding Dong! Ding Dong!” of class-ending bells. Instead, various sounds have emerged around the campus, such as the noise of students horsing around, laughter, discussions on various topics, conversations between parents and teachers, and even the quiet sounds of waiting. These diverse sounds rise and fall, weaving through the campus, intermingling in dialogue with one another.
It breaks the conventional rhythm of campus life. Also, parents can try to adopt a different perspective to understand and view their children’s experiences and growth on their learning journey. Teachers focus on the students as the main subjects, constructing a variety of learning stages that truly meet the students’ needs, thereby enriching the classroom landscape. Students are able to choose the stages they wish to experience or challenge based on their own desires, comfortably displaying their unique traits and abilities. Gradually, through various adjustments and creative efforts, the campus has been shaped into a micro-society. Here, everyone can, over three years of immersion, see their truest selves anew. The relationships among parents, teachers, and students are closely maintained; in a campus without bells, many invisible bonds intricately connect everyone.
Freedom and Boundaries
Be prepared, upon entering the Kai Ping Culinary School, everyone – parents, teachers, and students -should know that the school has no formal rules!
This is because we believe that education should focus on nurturing and developing “the individual”. Throughout the process of personal growth, everyone must learn to respect themselves and others; each individual is responsible for their own actions.
To ensure the safety and freedom of the learning environment and to promote overall campus order and harmony, we have drafted the “Group Life Agreement.” This agreement delineates the boundaries jointly monitored by parents, teachers, and students in campus life. It includes three steadfast principles and two prohibited practices, described as follows:
Three Steadfast Principles
- Do not violate another’s body, and the feelings of the person violated are paramount.
- Do not use or traffic drugs (includes cases involving drug abuse).
- Do not infringe upon others’ privacy or finances (includes theft).
Two Prohibited Practices
- Smoking
- Accumulating more than 42 class absences (inclusive) over a semester (for the Culinary Practice Program, more than 36 absences)
Boundary Issues and Law-Related Education
Once a member violates the Group Life Agreement, the School’s law-related education will be initiated. This is a crucial mechanism for maintaining the Group Life Agreement and is designed to help individuals learn to take responsibility for their own actions.
During the implementation of law-related education, a law-related conference will be convened. The committee considers various factors such as the mental and physical state of the individual involved, the incident, and their behavior. This process involves parents, teachers, and students working together to support the individual in addressing the issue, clarifying values, and taking responsibility for the consequences of their actions. This leads to learning, recommitment, and fostering personal change.