(Year 1)

About the course

The first year offers a broad overview of Waldorf Education: its principles and practice are explored in hands-on courses. Students learn drawing and painting just as pupils do – there will be singing, movement and eurythmy, as well as modelling and outdoor crafts.

Lectures and Seminars introduce child development and essential Waldorf approaches to themes such as Literacy and Numeracy, Science, History, Geography, Languages, Classroom management, Rhythm and Imagination. In monthly study sessions we explore the underlying philosophy that is the foundation of Waldorf education: anthroposophy.

Throughout there will be opportunities for personal skills development: students will be teaching and presenting to their peers right from the first weekend, and receiving constructive criticism and encouragement in return.

The ART OF EDUCATION offers a comprehensive introduction for teachers, parents, administrators or Teaching Assistants. It also functions as a broad and solid foundation for those students who will graduate into Year 2.

School Observation Placements:

The following text describes an ideal scenario. In actual practice this is unlikely to be fully achievable, but could serve both students and schools as a guideline for a placement experience that is as effective as possible.

Classroom Observation:

The student spends three weeks or more in a well-established school which caters for a wide age range. They observe a number of experienced colleagues with different teaching styles, and are able and encouraged to ask questions and engage in conversation with colleagues. They attend staff meetings and receive inductions into essential school policies. Where possible, they assist with playground supervision which also provides an excellent opportunity for child observation. Ideally, they would spend at least three consecutive days with each class so it is possible to observe the rhythms of teaching and learning. In one of these classes they choose a child as case study for observation and, while respecting safeguarding ethos and protocol, produce a written observation document which can be discussed and amended in conversation with the host teacher. They keep a journal throughout and submit this to course tutors after the end of the placement.

Year 1

September

Child development in the Waldorf context

October

Observation: Nature, Children and Myself

November

Numeracy and other subject threads

December

Literacy and Festivals

January

Feeding the imagination: Telling Stories

February

Music and community

March

Movement and creative problem solving

April

Spring residential- experiential learning and development

May

Our place in the World: Geography and History

June

The outdoor classroom: A deep dive into Crafting

July

Science and society: the art of finding out and getting on

July

Summer residential: experiential learning and development

Requirements

In order to fulfil the requirements of the course, at least 80% attendance is required. In addition, key assignments must be completed in a timely manner, and receive a minimum mark of ‘Pass.’

** Key Assignments are marked and awarded Pass, Merit or Distinction. Students are given the opportunity to improve on a piece of work where necessary. Please note: in order to be able to be accepted onto the second year of the course, students must have completed all set work.

Admission

Students undertaking the course are normally expected to have an all round education to ‘A’ level standard and the equivalent of GCSE grade ‘C’ in Maths and English. We may make exceptions for applicants who show enthusiasm, commitment and the determination to tackle any areas in their own education that need further development.

Costs

Annual fees cover the tuition costs of ten weekends and two intensive weeks. They also include all guided learning between weekends, study packs and handouts.

The ‘Early Bird’ fee for the course beginning September 2021 will be £2,490.

This figure includes an initial deposit of £300, payable at the time of being accepted onto the course. It is also possible to pay in instalments.

In addition, you will need to pay for any accommodation and meals you require. You will also need a small budget for materials and books, though we try to keep additional costs as low as possible.

TIMEtable for weeks and weekends

We meet on Fridays at 6.30 pm, and finish at 9.30 pm. Saturdays run from 9.00 am until 9.30 pm, with generous breaks. Sundays run from 9.00 am until 1.00 pm.

Days during the intensive weeks usually start at 8.45 am and finish at 6 pm.

Application

Applications