The New Curiosity Shop is an online enrichment school that was founded by Noel Chidwick and Dr. W. Arthur Chapman, two educationalists who believe in learning for the sake of learning. Using their experience in teaching and continuing education, they have taken their idea to the next level with the creation of the online school.
“With the amazing power of technology, combined with high-quality courses supported by enthusiastic tutors who were of the same minds as ourselves, we knew we could create something new and different in learning,” Chidwick said.
Creating something different is exactly what they did. The enrichment school offers a variety of unique online courses, including: Astronomy for Beginners; Family History Begins at Home; Herbal Remedies: The Science Behind Old Wives’ Tales; HIV/AIDS and Society; How to Learn Online; Introduction to Archaeology;
“We deliberately don’t try to emulate a formal college structure online, while at the same time ensure that our courses are as rigorously developed and supported as any course you will find in any place of learning,” Chidwick said.
Currently, the School doesn’t offer accreditation in any subject, so learning is just for fun and general interest. This has drawn in students of all backgrounds, ranging from a professional pilot in California to a retired grandmother from the United Kingdom.
The courses are taught by tutors with teaching experience and extensive knowledge in their subject of choice. Qualified tutors submit their course ideas about their particular subject to Chidwick and Chapman and, once approved, begin building their course online.
Students can enroll at any time, as courses start monthly. The lengths of the programs vary, but are typically several weeks long. Courses are meant to be affordable and materials for most courses are included in the fees. A complete list of available courses, duration and fees is available online at www.newcurioshop.com.
