The Steiner-Waldorf educational philosophy has religious undertones. How much these undertones are put into practice in contemporary Waldorf schools is unclear. This all seems quite vague. Nevertheless, many parents find it disturbing. However, Steiner schools officially do not follow religious doctrines in their schools.
They merely acknowledge that children can have spirituality. Waldorf families come from a broad spectrum of religious traditions and interest. Teachers tend to stay with students for multiple years in Waldorf schools. There are pros and cons to this approach. As a positive, students will be able to develop deep relationships with their teacher which could give them more comfort and a greater sense of security.
Waldorf schools emphasize strong interpersonal relationships. However, teacher turnover can be a positive thing. All teachers have their strengths and weaknesses. A new teacher may help a student to achieve breakthroughs in learning and development because they offer a different teaching style.
It can be good for a student to experience a range of different teachers and adult influences to gain a breadth of experiences of different teaching personas. New teachers bring fresh perspectives.
During the Hitler regime his schools were closed and even today, the Steiner Waldorf Schools Fellowship, while acknowledging Rudolf Steiner as its inspiration, distances itself from Anthroposophy. And most of them will progress to tertiary education and successful careers. Peters went there himself until he bailed out for A levels, and went on to Oxford, where he completed a PhD.
The criticisms levelled at Steiner schools are largely academic. Furthermore, although it provides a nurturing environment for those with minor learning difficulties, with a small pupil teacher ratio of between 8 and 9 to a teacher, it can provide a strong supportive environment for pupils who have experienced social difficulties in other schools.
Peters acknowledges Steiner is not for everyone. Less motivated children could slip through the net, as could bright children whose parents did not go on to higher education and might not provide the motivation required to support them. Typically, the children concentrate on five core subjects, English, Maths, History, Geography, and double Science which includes Physics, and Chemistry. They welcome children of all abilities from all faiths and backgrounds and are truly community schools with numerous opportunities for families and teachers to enjoy community events through festivals, drama performances and school fairs.
The priority of the Steiner ethos is to provide an unhurried and creative learning environment where children can find the joy in learning and experience the richness of childhood rather than early specialisation or academic hot-housing. The core subjects of the curriculum are taught in thematic blocks and all lessons include a balance of artistic, practical and intellectual content. Whole class, mixed ability teaching is the norm. Steiner education has proved itself adaptable.
More than 80 years after the first Steiner school was started in central Europe, this education continues to inspire people from all walks of life and in all parts of the world. Steiner schools have a reputation for producing well-rounded and balanced human beings who are able to cope with the demands of a fast-changing and uncertain world.
Steiner graduates are highly sought-after in further education and work place for their unjaded interest in the world and their resourcefulness. Former scholars from UK Steiner schools Former scholars from around the world What others say What do they do and where do they go? The Australian Steiner Curriculum is recognised by ACARA as meeting the requirements of the Australian Curriculum, which includes providing for students to achieve standards described in Australian Curriculum documents.
Now, more than ever before, Steiner education is recognised and respected for its approach in developing flexible thinking in students and an ability to collaborate and thrive in a 21st Century world. Gonski 2. These are the hallmarks of a Steiner education.
Shona Hendley is a freelance writer from Victoria. An ex secondary school teacher, Shona has a strong interest in education. She is an animal lover and advocate, with a morbid fascination for true crime and horror movies. Shona is usually busy writing and raising her children: two goats, two cats and two humans. You can follow her on Instagram. Leave a comment.
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