Steiner/Waldorf Education
The Origins of Steiner Education
Austrian-born Dr Rudolf Steiner (1861–1925) was an academic and visionary who had wide-ranging interests in history, education, agriculture, religion, science, education and the arts.
In 1919, Steiner was asked to set up a school for the children of factory workers in Stuttgart. He employed his own educational philosophy and innovative methods, which proved to be very successful. The name of the factory was the Waldorf Astoria Company, and the schools became known as Waldorf schools.
The global spread of Steiner education has grown steadily and interest in Steiner’s approach can be found in about 100 countries worldwide independent of language, religion or political situation.
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
Education for Life
Steiner education strives to create a lifelong love of learning. Academic subject matter is presented in a way that supports the developmental phases of childhood through sensory, social and intellectual nourishment. Imagination is an integral part of the learning process, and is harnessed in every year level as a tool for learning.
Emphasis is placed on happy social interactions and strong, dynamic relationships, developing well-rounded human beings who are capable problem solvers and who exhibit resilience, responsibility, self-direction, respect and integrity.