A Steiner Waldorf education aims to provide an unhurried and creative learning environment in harmony with different phases of a child’s development.
The philosophy is that children should enjoy learning for its own sake, not merely to pass exams. The ethos also stands out for giving equal attention to children’s physical, emotional, intellectual, cultural and spiritual needs.
First founded in 1919 by philosopher and scientist Dr Rudolf Steiner, these schools are organised around Steiner’s theories on the different stages of child development. There are some 22 independent schools in the UK, and one state school (Steiner Academy Hereford – there were more, but they’ve closed down following poor Ofsted ratings). Early years concentrate on play and hands-on activities, with formal learning reserved for the 7+ brigade. No computers or other technology before adolescence. NB Make sure you are clued up on the Steiner philosophy before signing up.
An emphasis on creativity, with plenty of painting, music and movement, drama, knitting and gardening. Balance between practical and academic disciplines is the aim. Everyone learns woodwork as well as to knit and sew, moving perhaps from a case for their flute to their own shirt. Every day includes eurhythmy, a form of movement similar to tai chi. Key subjects are taught in main lessons: a two-hour slot each morning looking at the same topic over three or four weeks, with cross-pollination between subjects. No exams till mock GCSEs. There have been criticisms eg of the mystical nature of anthroposophy and the incorporation of Steiner’s esoteric ideas.
No headteacher but a College of Teachers, with a chair appointed annually to avoid a hierarchy. Parents can find the lack of direct accountability frustrating, especially when faced with staff changes and/or the management of high-spirited children. A variety of teacher training routes, mostly part time and many on-the-job. Financial management can be less slick than at mainstream independents.
Further reading:
Creativity and exploration – this ethos puts children firmly at the centre of society. Philosophy: Based on self-directed activity, hands-on learning and collaborative play. Background: Pioneered by Maria Montessori, Italy’s first female doctor in 1907 to educate the poor in Italy. To the uninitiated, Montessori methods may seem like a free-for-all. Homework, testing and exams are seldom found. Montessori found that children learn best by doing ‘The essence of independence is to be able to do something for one’s self. A child works in order to grow, and is working to create the adult, the person that is to be.’…
Online schooling is an alternative to more traditional schooling, whereby children or young people learn either entirely or primarily online. Online schools and colleges have become particularly popular since COVID.
Forest schools aren’t actual physical schools. Instead, they refer to regular outdoor sessions, mostly at nursery or primary school level, in natural environments to enable children to develop confidence through hands-on learning.