Streams Learning Hub

It was a wonderful evening at the Watershed last Friday. Seeing so many new faces, including many people joining us for the first time, reminded us just how much interest there is in a different conversation about how our children grow and learn.

Our panel event, “Rethinking Education: Where Does Learning Really Happen?”, felt like a gathering of a learning community. The energy in the room was reflective and full of hope as we explored the purpose of education together.

A Few Points (among lots!) from the Conversation

* A Global Perspective: We looked at how the English education system compares to research-led models in Scandinavian countries. For example, in places like Finland, formal schooling often starts later, at age seven, with a strong emphasis on play and social development in the early years. This contrasts with the English model of earlier formalisation and frequent high-stakes testing.

* The “All Streams” Vision: We talked about a future where all paths of education, whether mainstream, home education, or community hubs, are valued equally. The goal is to find the right fit for each individual child.

* Practical Hope: With insights from Olivia on SEND, Chris on educational research, and Jo and Caroline on the lived experience of starting a hub, the focus remained on how we can support young people in their growth.

A Shared Journey

One of the most meaningful parts of the night was the conversation with our attendees. Hearing parents share their own experiences, including the natural “wobbles” of wondering if they are doing enough, was a powerful reminder that no one is alone in this. Whether you have been home educating for years or are just beginning to look for a different way, there is a place for you here.

Thank you to everyone who came along, shared a drink, and contributed to the supportive atmosphere.

Drama is officially in the mix for the Summer Term! 🎭✨

We’re really pleased to see Streams Learning Hub featured on the Bristol Old Vic website as we highlight their fabulous Young Company Home Education provision for the coming term.

These sessions are a great opportunity for our young people to dive into professional theatre-making. It’s a space where they can be both “safe and stretching”, working together on creative challenges that foster resilience and collaboration. 🤝

It’s wonderful to see the Hub’s presence growing in the city and to have these pathways open for our home-educated community. 🌊 We’re moving towards being a City of Learning!

You can find all the details and sign up for the Home Ed Summer Term 2026 directly through the Bristol Old Vic here:

https://bristololdvic.org.uk/whats-on/young-company-home-ed-summer-term-2026

Or via the LINK IN BIO.

“IS THERE ANOTHER WAY?”

If school isn’t working for your child, the transition can feel overwhelming. At Streams Learning Hub, we’re dedicated to creating a safe but stretching environment where young people (12–15) can find their feet again through collaboration and real-world work.

On Friday 20th March, we’re bringing together a panel of experts and parents at The Watershed to discuss:

✅ How learning thrives outside the school-centred model.
✅ Navigating the SEND system and EOTAS.
✅ Building community-based education in Bristol.

The Panel:

👉 Olivia Huaman (SEND Parent Adviser & Specialist)
👉 Jo Sweetland (Streams Learning Hub Co-founder)
👉 Chris Bagley (Educational Psychologist & Researcher)
👉 Chaired by Caroline Clark (Streams Learning Hub Co-founder & SEND Parent)

We’ll have a Q&A session and plenty of time to connect with other families over a drink.

👇 Join the conversation - Book via the LINK IN BIO, scan the QR Code or visit this link: https://community.streamslearninghub.com/events/C8E29D

(Meet us in the Watershed bar at 7pm!)

If school isn’t working, it’s easy to feel like the options are limited. But what if we broaden the lens? 🔍

Join us on Friday 20th March at at for an evening of honest conversation about education, home-ed, and SEN pathways. We’re moving beyond the “one-size-fits-all” model to explore how we can help every child thrive.

The Plan:
📍 Meet at the Watershed Bar at 7:00 PM for drinks & connection.
🎤 7:15 PM Panel talk & Q&A with Chris Bagley, Olivia Huaman, and Jo Sweetland.
💡 Chaired by Caroline Clark.

Come for the insights, stay for the community. We’ll have snacks, soft drinks, and plenty of space to share your own story.

🎟️ Link in bio or scan the QR code to book your ticket. Submit your questions in advance when you register!



https://community.streamslearninghub.com/events/C8E29D

Introducing the Environmental Management iGCSE with Jake from Humanatees Tutoring! 

How do we support a global population while protecting the only home we have? 🌍 For the young people ready to step up and tackle the big questions, we’re collaborating with Jake from Humanatees Tutoring to bring you the Environmental Management iGCSE.

This journey takes us from the depths of the earth to the atmosphere above, exploring the physical and human processes that shape our world. We aren’t just studying problems; we’re looking at sustainable management for the future.

What makes this “The Hub” way?

✨ Expert Online Learning: Weekly Zoom sessions with Jake covering 9 comprehensive units.
✨ Fieldwork Practice: 3 dedicated fieldwork days in the Bristol area to bring the curriculum off the screen and into the wild.
✨ Safety Net: All lessons are recorded.
✨Exam Ready: Learners study all required exam skills in class and take recorded mock exams.

This is an intensive course perfect for those with a heart for the environment and a comfortable grounding in basic maths.

🗓 Details:
* When: Mondays 10:00–11:30am (Zoom).
* Fieldwork: 3 practical days (Sept–April).
* Sign-ups: Opening the first week of March! Email [email protected]

Marine Science iGCSE is Back! 🐬

We’re thrilled to continue our collaboration with Jake from Humanatees Tutoring for another year of Marine Science!

This course is a perfect fit for young people who want to understand the “how” and “why” of our oceans, from seawater chemistry to the impact of human activity on habitats.

Why study Marine Science with the Hub?

* Collaborative Learning: Weekly Zoom lessons with Jake, paired with 6 incredible in-person practical sessions.
* A Safety Net: All lessons are recorded.
* Exam Ready: Learners study all required exam skills in class and take recorded mock exams.


The Logistics:

📍 When: Mondays, 12:30pm – 2:00pm (Online via Zoom)
📍Starts: June 2026
📍 Sign-up: Registration opens the first week of March! Email [email protected] for more details and to express interest.

This is an intensive course that requires an interest in practical science and basic maths skills. If your teen is ready to find their stream, we’d love to have them join us.

🎭 Drama at Bristol Old Vic – for home educating families 🎭

From January, Streams Learning Hub learners can spend ten weeks creating, playing and performing with Bristol Old Vic’s brilliant Young Company facilitators – right inside this world-class theatre.

Expect:
• Hands-on drama games and devising
• Growing confidence, voice and presence
• Real performance skills on a professional stage

Mondays, 11am–1pm

19th January–30th March 2026 (no session w/c 16th Feb)

£15 per workshop / £150 for all ten weeks

At Bristol Old Vic

Minimum 12, maximum 18 participants

We’re asking for a full 10-week commitment so the group can really grow together.

If paying up front is difficult, please email Caroline to chat through options.

Want a place for your young person?
Email Jo to be added to the participant list for January – spaces are limited.

Image credit: Photo of Bristol Old Vic by Rodw, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0) Edited for this post.

Parent Social Evening
Thursday 13 November, 7.15–9.30pm
Hope Chapel, Hotwells, Bristol

We’d love you to join us for an evening of connection and conversation. This month we’re delighted to welcome Dr Chris Bagley – a psychologist, researcher and advocate for young people and alternative education. Chris will be sharing insight from his work and joining in a discussion shaped by your questions.

This is a space to talk, reflect, and encourage one another. Expect good conversation, stories shared, and a drink or two.

Booking link is here:
https://community.streamslearninghub.com/events/EF5429

Read more about Chris’s work:
https://www.chrisbagley.co.uk

Here’s a great piece from Spike Island about our collaboration with Green Fox workshops!

Since September, our GCSE Art learners have been developing their creativity through online sessions and regular in-person workshops in the heart of Bristol’s artistic community at Spike Island – guided by artist-educator Gemma Lane.

We’re so proud of the work that’s been happening, and grateful for the space, inspiration, and partnership this has brought.

Read the article here: https://www.spikeisland.org.uk/news/spike-island-announces-partnership-with-streams-learning-hub/

Spike Island Announces Partnership with Streams Learning Hub Spike Island is excited to announce a new partnership with Streams Learning Hub, through our Engagement programme.

Ever wondered how to turn everyday scraps into showstopping cosplay?

Join us for Cosplay with a Conscience - a six-week creative adventure blending theatre, design, and sustainability!

Led by industry pro Katelyn Simkins, you’ll learn how to reimagine iconic characters using recycled materials and eco-friendly techniques. The term ends with a celebratory photoshoot and showcase of your creations!

Because cosplay doesn’t have to cost the Earth 🌍✨

📍 Streams Learning Hub, Bristol
🗓 Wednesdays, 5 Nov – 10 Dec
⏰ 2pm – 4pm (arrive 1.30pm)
💷 Cost: £20
🎨 All materials included
🌱 Supported by the Global Goals Centre

To book, email Jo at [email protected]