Personal
Development

Human Psychology opens the program. This is an introduction to the philosophy underlying Steiner Education, described by Rudolf Steiner as Anthroposophy. It explores the nature of the human being and the different ways we observe, interpret and learn, using a range of observation and meditation practices.
 

This is followed by a study of the life phases of human development in relation to learning modes and biographical patterns. Students are asked to ponder questions such as "who am I?" and "what is my relationship to the world?", questions that accompany them throughout the training.

Personal and Professional Development deepens these questions by focusing on both the inner schooling of a reflective or meditative path; and the outer schooling of adult learning processes.

Educational Theory and Practice is a preview of the path of a teacher, of teaching methodology, child development and the Steiner curriculum. It includes 8 days of work experience in a school.

The English unit studies world literature, from myths to modern poetry, with an in-depth exploration of the Parzival Romance, and the role of the Quest in personal development. Creative Writing provides students with the opportunity to explore their own faculty of imagination in writing stories, poetry and drama, which are essential elements of a Steiner teacher’s daily life.
 

Human Society examines the questions “what is our relationship to the world” and “how have we been shaped by it” in a social and historical context. The focus here is on the human being in community, the rich life-story of humanity and its cultural, social and economic expressions.

This unit challenges our perceptions of the past and the values and beliefs we ascribe to it. We pay particular attention to the philosophy of history as picture of changing human consciousness, through the study of art history and festivals, but there is also an emphasis on developing critical discourse and research skills.  

Mathematics opens up new ways of seeing and understanding this sometimes enigmatic subject; while Geometry and Form Drawing studies the patterns underlying the rhythms and forms in the natural world, macrocosm and microcosm. Working with these patterns and gestures connects us more strongly with the planet but also helps develop a sense for balance, harmony and beauty.

 

Science is a comprehensive unit which introduces the philosophy and application of scientific thinking in light of current debate; and includes a strong experiential component that aims to stimulate a mood of enquiry in the student.

Within the context of sustainability, we then investigate how science looks at the relationship between earth and cosmos through the study of botany and astronomy, particular environmentally-sustainable agricultural practices. There are practical field days in Biodynamic farming and gardening where students learn to make and use the Biodynamic composting preparations and understand the planting calendar.

Health and Nutrition provides a foundation for understanding the relationship between nutrition, health and the behavioural issues that may arise out of poor nutrition. Special attention is given to child and adolescent health, and the problems of drug use and addiction.


Arts Strand

The Visual Arts unit awakens our sense for colour and form through experiencing the three-dimensional world of sculpture, the two-dimensional world of painting and the dynamic play of line and tone in drawing. The necessary hand/eye skills are developed through learning to understand the expressive language of mood, gesture, colour quality and transition. With this approach, individual creativity can unfold as part of a natural and imaginative process rather than relying on special talent.

The unit provides a balanced program of clay modeling, watercolour painting, carving, shaded and observational drawing, metamorphosis and chiaroscuro studies; and the study of Goethe’s Theory of Colour and Steiner’s artistic impulse. Our appreciation of nature and culture is enlivened by Goethean observation, art history presentations, and gallery excursions.

The Art of Movement aims to develop inner balance and harmonious self-expression through movement. Through Eurythmy we learn how the human body can be a plastic and expressive instrument for making visible the essence of music and speech. In Bothmer Gymnastics, we experience spatial awareness and orientation to develop a consciousness of ourselves of beings in time and space.
 
This unit assists students in the process of working through the main concepts of Anthroposophy in an experiential way and fosters a sense of personal presence and social awareness through group work.

Speech and Drama practices expressive and creative speech, through the formative power of language and dramatic expression. We explore epic, lyric and dramatic styles in poetry recitation and drama, as well as breathing exercises, voice quality, role-play and improvisation. Students also learn effective ways of presenting poetry and directing class plays, essential tools for the teacher in the classroom situation.
 
Speech and Drama provides a direct experience of the Anthroposophical model of the threefold human being when the unit culminates in a dramatic performance, often with some or all of the other arts.

Music introduces the cosmic origin of tone, harmony and rhythm. We study the theory and practice of tonal awareness and voice training as derived from Rudolf Steiner’s indications; and learn to sing and play recorder in a small ensemble. Writing and sight-reading are actively encouraged and supported but not obligatory.
 
For study, the unit offers the history of music and musical intervals; particularly the transition from pentatonic music to diatonic music; also a range of works for building a repertoire of songs and recorder music for teaching in the lower grades in Steiner Schools.

Handcraft and Woodwork combines aesthetic principles and creativity   with handwork techniques. A range of basic skills, including knitting, embroidery, papermaking, braiding, carving, weaving, braiding, basketry and fabrication techniques, both traditional and modern, may be offered. The emphasis is on creating practical and useful objects that still embody artistic design and cultural integrity.

As they work, students often observe how these skills reflect their habitual patterns of acting and reacting, especially the demands of regular practice on their will.