What Is Steiner Education?

"The need for imagination, a sense of truth and a feeling of responsibility.

These are the three forces which are the very nerve of education."

Rudolf Steiner

Rudolf Steiner

Rudolf Steiner was an Austrian scientist and philosopher who developed a new approach to many essential aspects of life including medicine, architecture, agriculture (biodynamics), the arts, social science and Education. He ventured beyond the study of humans as merely creatures of intellect and physical form, to acknowledge the importance of human spirit. This approach embodied all aspects of human nature - intellectual, physical and emotional and formed the basis of Steiner's philosophy of Anthroposophy . He viewed the world and man holistically, long before that concept became fashionable.

Steiner History

After World War 1, a leading German Industrialist, Emile Molt, asked Dr. Steiner to found a school for the children of the workers at his Waldorf-Astoria factory. To mend the damage done by the chaos of the war, a new approach to education was needed to advance the next generation to become independently thinking, socially responsible, self-disciplined adults.

The first school, die Freie Waldorfschule (The Free Waldorf School ) was opened on September 7, 1919. The aim then, as it remains today was to, "educate youth to be positive towards others, resolute in oneself, thoughtful in observation and self expression and to pursue all this with enthusiasm and with faith in the attributes and the striving qualities of man. To do this is to ennoble the mind, to fire the imagination, fortify the will and quicken the initiatives for positive action in life".

The Steiner Approach to Education

 Steiner schools endeavour to educate the whole child, addressing equally the areas of academia, artistic experience, and practical skills in integrated ways. Through this balanced approach students develop clarity of thought, a sensitivity of feeling, and a willingness to work, forming a foundation for balance in thought, feeling and action as adults.

At Silkwood Steiner School the teachers work creatively to generate a genuine inner enthusiasm in each individual and to cultivate the child's respect for themselves and others. They work with the basic principles of child development and curriculum indications offered by Dr. Steiner, in ways that help meet the challenges of the world.

This educational approach relies on the quality of the relationship amongst the children, the parents, the teachers and their environment. The emphasis is on balanced development to enable the child to realize fully his or her potential and thereby take a positive step into adulthood and make a contribution to the world.

Experience has shown that this approach prepares students for life in general, including further studies and the work force, and for full participation in society.

Steiner Today

Today there are over 770 schools, 1200 Preschools and 31 teacher training centres in 43 countries worldwide. It is the largest independent educational movement in the world and offers complete education for children from 4 to 18 years of age. Since its introduction in Australia in 1957, the number of schools has grown to around 50.

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