Kevin Stannard writes for TES that collective education (school, university, non-formal group learning, etc) can be the most effective way in which to challenge and question cultural and societal norms. This is especially true of education that values critical thinking, active engagement, self-expression and exploration. When we develop qualifications at Crossfields Institute we seek to go beyond the purely functional purpose of acquiring knowledge, understanding and skills, and inspire learners who can individually and collectively take a creative, reflective approach to their life and work.