Philosophy

"The aim is to educate our children to be positive towards others, resolute in themself, thoughtful in observation and self expression and to pursue all this with enthusiasm, and with faith in the striving qualities of humankind. To do this is to ennoble the mind, to fire the imagination, fortify the will, and quicken the initiative for positive action in life." - (Francis Edmunds, Essentials of Rudolf Steiner Education, pp 17-18).

Education today, more than ever, faces the challenge of preparing young people for life in a world that is complex and constantly changing.

Waldorf Schools take up this challenge by offering an education that is alive and full of wonder and strives to awaken the inner life of the young person. It develops the student's capacity to learn, to be open to life and to develop a sense of meaning and purpose.

A non-competitive environment allows children the time to learn and develop at the pace they need and protects them from the pressure to enter the adult world too quickly.

Being part of a class community that journey together through the school awakens individual capacities and social awareness. So not only is the individual's development fostered, but students are also encouraged to develop a genuine regard and respect for humanity, and service to others.

Important goals of our education are to develop in the students:

• creative, flexible thinking
• emotional strength
• moral integrity
• a will to engage in life.

To achieve this we have more than just a different teaching approach - it is an art of teaching that weaves together a number of vital interconnecting aspects that includes teaching methods and curriculum, and a clear philosophy, all of which gives Waldorf Education its unique identity.

Our education is based upon a careful observation and understanding of the child and their needs at each stage of development. As a child grows, his or her consciousness changes. This changing consciousness of the child is reflected in the curriculum from year to year.

The concept of hand to heart to head is one which can give a picture of our method: in the kindergarten years the child learns through what they do; in the primary years it is the feelings that gives the child inner experience; in the Upper school, the appeal is to the thinking and forming of judgments.

The importance of working in harmony with parents so that children may experience trust and security is one of our aims, since it is only through the connection of home with school that we can truly support each other's work.