6 Minute English / The school that puts the kids in charge

Note: This is not a word-for-word transcript.

Hello. This is 6 Minute English from BBC Learning English. I m Phil.

And I m Georgie.

Some people remember their school days as the best time of their lives. For others, it was the worst. Did you enjoy school, Georgie?

Most of the time, yes, but there was one thing I didn t like - the school rules!

Luckily that s not a problem for pupils at the Bamboo School in Thailand because there, the children, not the teachers, make the rules! Children at the Bamboo School are responsible for every part of running the school, from buying food for the kitchens to disciplining fellow students and even hiring new staff. It s a school run by students, for students.

Yes. In this programme we ll be hearing about the Bamboo School, a unique school where the children call the shots they have the power to make the decisions. We ll also be learning some useful new vocabulary, and before you ask, Phil, - yes, the Bamboo School really is made of bamboo!

Sounds good, Georgie. But first I have a question for you. The Bamboo School is a private school for poorer children who can t afford school fees. Bamboo School children get educated for free but have to do something in return. But what? Is it:

a) teach lessons?b) plant trees? or,c) learn English?

Hmm, I guess they have to learn English.