Being at the College

A Schumacher College experience

During the day, lectures, discussions and small groups take place. Attention is given to ensuring that the learning atmosphere is as creative as possible. Afternoons provide opportunities for field trips to the coast or Dartmoor, walks, private study, tutorials or specialist lectures by permanent staff on Gaia theory or other aspects of ecology. 

There is the opportunity for a period of meditation, a group meeting and a session during which participants help with preparing food and maintaining the immediate environment. This aspect of the course – cooking, cleaning, gardening and so on – is an essential part of the College life.  Embedding the intellectual discussions in the everyday business of taking care of the buildings and each other promotes a level of understanding in which combines personal values and the course objectives. It is an opportunity to more informally engage with others at the College.

Evenings offer a variety of talks and informal meetings, possibly arising out of the day’s work, or an opportunity for participants to give presentations based on their own work and experience. Wednesday evening is our ‘Open Evening’, when members of the local community are invited to listen to and engage with our expert teachers. Participants are also encouraged to join in. One evening a week is devoted to a ‘soiree’ – a home-grown party for all those at the College. The College bar is open most evenings.

Weekends are not scheduled in order to allow time for private study and contemplation, informal discussions, walks in the beautiful grounds of the Dartington Hall Estate, visits to local places of interest or time with friends and family within reach. Experience has taught us that the intensity generated by the weekday programme makes advance planning of weekends inappropriate.

Facilities at Schumacher College

The College is based in a medieval building within which the main facilities are located: teaching rooms; the dining room, kitchen and snack area; a library with 4000 books relating to ecological issues; a meditation room; an audio-visual room with a wide selection of videos, including talks by past College teachers. A number of computers are available for participants to use outside of formal lecture times.

Course participants sleep in accommodation blocks across the courtyard from the Old Postern. These are conventional College halls of residence. Rooms are simple and functional and comfortable. Bathroom facilities are available on all floors. Clothes washing, telephones and other essential practical facilities are provided on site.

A special food experience at Schumacher College

An important aspect of life at the College is the food – its preparation and consumption. Course participants, staff and volunteers prepare food in small groups of 3-5 people, providing a varied vegetarian menu which reflects the international nature of the student group.

Wherever possible, locally grown organic produce in season is used. Meals are freshly prepared and we bake some of our bread and biscuits, as well as celebratory cakes. There is an open door policy to food to support a health body and mind: it is always available. The College is able to meet the requirements of most special diets.

Being involved in the preparation of the daily food for the group, is often cited as one of the most enjoyable aspects of community life at the College. Over the years, participants have contributed to the College kitchen by bringing their enthusiasm, joy and their original recipes to add to the Schumacher collection. They have also provided the inspiration and momentum for the college cookbook Gaia’s Kitchen, compiled by our catering manager Julia Ponsonby. See our resources pages for more information

Schumacher College in the heart of the Devon and culture

All the buildings are surrounded by a mixture of lawns, trees and wildlife areas, providing the opportunity for games, sunbathing or quiet reflection and study. The College is based on the Dartington Hall Estate, famous for its beautiful gardens which are a short walk up the hill from the College.  The Estate also hosts a wide range of cultural activities, including films on most nights in the Barn Cinema and regular concerts (classical, jazz, folk and international) in the Great Hall.

There are many lovely walks through woodland and alongside the River Dart that can be started directly from the College grounds. The lively and historic town of Totnes is two miles away and can be reached along a cycle/footpath or using the regular bus service. Bicycles are available for use by course participants. Totnes, is populated with art galleries, a museum, regular market, pubs, restaurants, shops and banks. To the South of Dartington are the dramatic cliffs and beaches of South Devon, and eight miles to the North, the beautiful National Park of Dartmoor.

Who comes to Schumacher?

To read more about participant, staff and volunteer work on the land at Schumacher College

Schumacher College is part of the Dartington Hall Trust, a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and as a charity (company no. 1485560, charity no. 279756). Registered office: The Elmhirst Centre, Dartington Hall, Totnes, Devon TQ9 6EL, UK.