A Contemporary Rite of Passage into Adulthood

This chapter explores some of the cultural and societal factors and determinants of what is known as an adolescent ‘rite of passage’ (Van Gennep in The rites of passage. Routledge, London, 1960). This ‘rite’ has underpinned the developing philosophy and practices of the School for Student Leadership since its inception. According to Van Gennep (1960) “Whenever there are fine distinctions between age or occupation groups, progression from one group to the next is defined by special acts, like those that make up apprenticeship in our trades” (p. 3). The discussion presented in this chapter is intended to explore some of the broader historical markers that have contributed to or distracted from, the continuity of such a phenomenon. Furthermore, it will explore whether contemporary society can interpret what is essentially a traditional cultural construct and reinterpret it into a functional and valuable educational element. Reflections from adults on their interpretation of the ‘rite of passage’ they experienced, are drawn on together with examples from contemporary education exploring its value socially, culturally and educationally. Finally, this is linked to the experience offered to students at the School for Student Leadership (SSL), where I have been the principal, since the inception of the school.