A Waldorf school follows the teaching and educational philosophy (anthroposophy) of Rudolph Steiner (1861-1925). He was an Austrian scientist and philosopher who gave lectures shortly after the first world war and was asked by the managing director of a cigarette factory – Emil Molt, to found and lead a school in its early stages for the workers’ children after following one of his lectures. Emil Molt himself offered to be the benefactor of the school, providing Steiner with financial investment and space for it. This happened in 1919 in Stuttgart and hence the first free Waldorf School was established.
Steiner schools take pupils from birth to 18 years of age ideally and are divided into 3 developmental phases: from birth to 6 or 7 years, from 7 to 14 years and from 14 to 18 years. In Malta up till now there is only one Waldorf school that is established and it only has children up to six years (kindergarten level) but the intention is to build up to primary and secondary school as well. They welcome children of all abilities from all faiths and backgrounds. The priority of the Steiner ethos is to provide an unhurried and creative learning environment where children can find the joy of learning and experience the richness of childhood rather than focusing at such an early age on specializations and academic work. The curriculum itself is a flexible set of pedagogical guidelines founded on Steiner’s principles that take account of the child holistically. It gives equal attention to the physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual and cultural needs of each student and is designed to work in harmony with the different phases of the child’s development. All lessons include a balance of artistic, practical and intellectual content. ...
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... wrong and so the educators must be very conscious of what language to use in front of the children and at choosing the right activities and attitudes in front of them. They don’t teach through explanations and commands but through doing. Teachers are also responsible to provide healthy ingredients for the children’s food which they prepare and eat together.
Conclusion
With over 1,500 schools and kindergartens in over 60 countries around the world; Waldorf education is steadily growing. It is truly global- not only in its scope, but also in its approach. Wherever it is found, the Waldorf curriculum cultivates within its students a deep appreciation for cultural traditions from around the world while all the while being deeply rooted in its local culture and context.
Works Cited
www.steinerwaldorf.org www.waldorfanswers.org www.thesteineracademylincolnshire.org
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