How To Be Creative, How to Have Better Conversations, How to Make Love Last – these aren’t exactly the topics you’d typically find on a classroom curriculum. But then again, this isn’t your typical school. The brainchild of writer and philosopher Alain de Botton, The School of Life is about to open its doors in Melbourne’s Collingwood. Forget geometry and algebra, these lessons are focused on self-improvement and sustainable living. The School is open through February and March, offering a summer term – a 10 week program of lifelong learning hosted by some of Australia’s most innovative thinkers – plus a range of casual workshops on Friday evenings and weekends. Their Conversation Cafe is open daily, serving up great food, good coffee and healthy discussion. Or you can check out one of their ‘secular sermons’ held around the city on topics like ‘Being Ordinary’. Launching this Saturday, January 26th with A Sustainable Feast – an unconventional Australia Day BBQ hosted by Whole Larder Love‘s Rohan Anderson – The School of Life is one we can all take a lesson from.