Philosophy
How Steiner Schools Differ From Other Schools
Steiner Schools have a positive spiritual intent which they pass on by example.
This is to encourage respect for all races and religions, and reverence for nature.
The school is non-denominational, co-educational and welcomes students of any race, ethnic or religious background. We are accepting and inclusive of varying cultural practices.
The development of moral values has a strong basis in the rich and creative curriculum and arises from the relationship between teachers and the children.
The task of education aims to develop a sense of purpose in the children’s lives and confidence in themselves as well as a caring attitude to the world and to humanity.
Steiner schools aim to help students develop creativity and flexibility in their thinking and to draw upon their inner resources, so that they may meet whatever changes or challenges the future may bring in a positive and creative way.
The liberal use of arts in the learning of all subjects captivates the children’s interest, imagination and enthusiasm throughout their school life.
There are Main Lesson periods of up to two hours duration, in which subjects are interwoven over a 3 to 4 week block and are explored in depth. The natural cycles of the day and the yearly seasons have great importance in the curriculum.
Foreign languages and the playing of musical instruments begin in class 1.
Parents are asked to minimising the children’s contact with television. Computers are not introduced in the primary school year, under the premise that older students are much more psychologically and developmentally prepared to use this technology to their advantage.
About Steiner
Dr. Rudolph Steiner (1861 – 1925) was an eminent Austrian scientist, author and philosopher. His profound teachings attracted wide interest, resulting in a broad social role for the world view he developed. Best known are his teachings on education, agriculture (Biodynamics), medicine, the arts, architecture, economics, as well as spiritual and social studies he called Anthroposophy (wisdom of man).
Steiner set out instructions for a curriculum and approach to teaching that truly recognised the totality of the child’s threefold nature of thinking, willing and feeling. Its stages were adapted to follow the natural course of the child’s growth and development. While the curriculum has evolved with time, and is adapted to local conditions in the various countries where Steiner schools are found, Steiner or Waldorf education has consolidated the wisdom expressed by its founder.
