ManifestoThe world is changing ever faster, typically under the influence of the digital revolution. From a

very early age child come into contact wit hit. We are convinced that the invention of the iPad

Marks a new fase in the interaction between child and the virtual World. Intuitively even very young

children manage this device. By playing they acquire skills that are important for their future in the

21st century.

For education this creates new challenges as well as new opportunities. The challenges lie in the

developments that take place outside and use them in the school, strengthening and complementing

them. Remaining relevant in preparing for this new era. The opportunities lie in shaping the school

much more to fit the individual talents and capabilities of the child, using the new Technologies, with

the same or less cost. At the same time taking care that the school, teachers, students and others

involved are better equipped for the further developments in the future.

In order to be able te meet these challenges and make the most of the opportunities, we wish to

start a new school. Together with teachers and parents with the same conviction we intend to

found schools on the basis of a new direction: “Onderwijs voor een nieuwe tijd” (Education for a

new time), o4nt.nl.

The four key elements of our approach are:

Every talent is recognizedThe education starts from the talents of the individual

student and is organized to develop them to the utmost,

and to reinforce their development through co-operation.

Combining physical (school building) and virtual (internet)The school consists of a physical component ( the building)

and a virtual component. This school is open all year round.

The buil-ding, without classrooms, is open from 8:30 am

to 6:30 pm, 50 weeks a years, and the virtual component

is available at all times and everywhere. All students (even

the youngest) will have an iPad at their disposal. They can

connect to the virtual part of the school and use the huge

amount of educational apps. Learning can take place always

and everywhere. Learning is no loner synonymous with being

present in the physical building. Learning is synonymous witha

learning attitudewhich can be applied anywhere. Presence and

vacation involves an important individual component with due

consideration to the educational goals.

1

manifest  o4nt.nlmanifest  o4nt.nl

2

1/3 manifesto o4nt.nl

21st century skillsThe education starts from the talents of the individual

student and is organized to develop them to the utmost,

and to reinforce their development through co-operation.

CommunityEspecially because a considerable part of learning takes

place outside the building, the role of parents is of great

importance. School and environment (parents, companies,

institutions and others)are connected via the community

and they enhance the quality of the education. Therefore,

parents are active partners in the educational process and

play an indispensable role in the organization, the execution

and the evaluation of the education. Experiences are widely

shared and the environmentis heartily invited to contribute

to the education.

We realize that various elements of our approach also take placein other types of schools. And also

that technology enters the schools more and more. However, we think that a significant part of our

innovations can only take place within a completely new school which is set up in a way that allows

rapid response to changes in the future. The exeriences of this new school can then – if desired- be

used by existing schools in their processes of change.

We call parents of children between 2 and 6 years of age to indicate if the would consider enrolling

their child if such a school is established in their neighbourhood.

We also invite teachers and other professionals who wish to be involved in the foundation and

launch of this school to contact us. In our extensive document the background and organization is

further developed. You can register in o4nt.nl on our website.

3

4

2/3 manifesto o4nt.nl

manifest  o4nt.nl

manifest  o4nt.nl

Initiators

Irene Felix

Elementary school teacher, specialized and experienced in the young child. Besides, experienced

as a mother of three and grandmother of four. Her grandson of five corrects her if she doesn’t work

fast enough on her iPad.

Drs. Erik Verhulp

Social Geographer, Social Science teacher (1977-2000), manager and founder of Digischool –

www.digischool.nl (1955-present)

Luc de Vries

Educationalist, Director in elementary education, Member Denver Group and co-author of the

recommendation to the Council for Primary Education “in 10 jaar naar de top”. Father of a.o. Florian,

14 and grown up with technology.

Drs. Maurice de Hond

Social Geographer, pollster, author of “Dankzij de snelheid van het licht”(1995), father of a.o.

Daphne of nearly three, who has been actively using the iPhone/iPad since she was one.