Overview

Name: Rudolf Joseph Lorenz Steiner
Occupation: Educator, Philosopher, Academic, Author and Journalist.
Birth Date: February 27th, 1861.
Death Date: March 30th, 1925.
Place of Birth: Donji Kraljevek, Croatia.
Place of Death: Dornach, Switzerland.


References:
Bio True Story, 2013. Rudolf Steiner Biography. [Online]. Available at: http://www.biography.com/people/rudolf-steiner-9493564 [Accessed: 12/12/13].

Celebration of Festivals

The teaching of festivals and celebrations is seen as important within Steiner Education as it promotes understanding and tolerance towards other cultures and beliefs, and also helps the pupils to establish continuity throughout the year. It gives structure to their lives. The teachers usually aim to make the celebrations "a complete artistic experience" (Nicol (2007); p.49).

These experiences will consider "history, food, costumes, music, mood, colour, stories and puppet play" and all artefacts that are important to each celebration (Nicol (2007); p.49). They will be a full experience using every sense from taste to touch.

Each seasonal celebration teaches separate messages such as Harvest spreading the gesture of empathy. Multicultural occasions such as Diwali spread the message of tolerance, acceptance and equality in society. These kinds of occasions can call for the parents involvement if the teacher has not had a personal experience with that occasion themselves.

These celebrations will be a huge experience for the pupils and surround their education. It will affect all aspects of who they are and create a well-rounded individual who would be a great influence for society. (Early learning HQ (2014) Celebrations and Festivals [Online]. [Available at: http://www.earlylearninghq.org.uk/celebrations-festivals/ ] [Accessed: 9th February 2014].

Popular Misconceptions

1. Steiner Schools are "Free Schools" - Many believe that the children that attend these schools can pick and choose whether they go to classes or not when it suits them. This isn't the case.
2. No Compulsory Curriculum - This is also wrong. In the later years, pupils can choose to sit GCSE's. 
3. Elite and Independent Schools - Although many are private schools, this is not the case for all.
4. Part of a Religious cult - Although religion or spirituality plays a big part in Steiner's theories, the schools are not a religious cult at all. This was a belief created back in the 1960-1970's when they were believed to be "hippy" schools. Many famous people who identify as atheists have attended these schools.
5. Curriculum is all made up of art - Although creativity is a huge part of Steiner's theories and he believes creativity is an important skill, it is not just art lessons. Creativity is a skill that can be used across all subjects. For example, a scientist would have to be creative and imaginative to explore and find out new things within their field.
6. Last refuge for children who have failed in all other educational settings - Steiner schools are generally private schools so unless the parents chose to pay for this type of education for their child, it would not be the case. The schools are picked for Steiner's particular views on learning, achievement and development.

Woods, P., Ashley, M., and Woods, G., (2005) Steiner Schools in England. [Online] Bristol: University of West England. [Available at: http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20130401151715/https://www.education.gov.uk/publications/eOrderingDownload/RR645.pdf] [Accessed: 12/12/2013].

Key Aspects of Steiner Education

1. Creativity - Using drawing, painting, music, movement, poetry, modelling and drama to enhance all areas of experience in all subjects. Play is vitally important in the early years as it builds up the imagination which leads to the creativity skills they will need in the later years.
2. Continuity - Tend to have the same teacher from 6-14. Blocks of weeks for particular topics which are arranged around seasonal events.
3. Activity - Central area in the indoor and outdoor learning areas with many activities related that surround the central activity.
4. The Individual and society - Social and emotional skills are taught through a family-like environment with adult authority and support at every turn.
5. Inclusion and Differentiation - Whole class teaching is combined with individual learning. The teaching style enables all pupils, whatever their learning style, to learn and achieve at their own pace.
6. The Spoken Word - Drama, poetry, myths and legends from all cultures are all taught to enhance this skill. Modern languages are taught from a young age to enhance this also.
7. Age-Appropriate - Formal education starts at 6-7 but starts at the child's pace so they learn rather than remember and forget.
8. Assessment - Assessed on their own unique qualities. Based on development of the individual.
9. Excellence - All pupils are expected to try their best in all areas of the curriculum, therefore creating a well-rounded individual.
10. Context - Currently many Steiner Schools worldwide. 3 in Wales, 35 in UK. Early years Steiner influenced settings in 64 countries and over 2000 worldwide overall.

Online Reference

Steiner Schools Within Wales

• Cardiff Steiner School - "Cardiff Steiner School offers an inspiring and nurturing education based on the needs of the whole child – academic, physical, emotional and spiritual. Our distinctive, international curriculum integrates arts and academics into a rich, balanced education that ignites a lifelong passion for learning"

 

• Swansea Steiner School - They say they are "offering an alternative to mainstream education, teaching will focus on the child as a whole, fulfilling their physical, emotional, intellectual, cultural and spiritual needs".

Famous Steiner/Waldorf Education Influenced Celebrities

Nelson Mandela was a trained Steiner school Teacher. He gained his training upon visiting a school in South Africa.

Jennifer Aniston is a former Waldorf student:

"I was always fascinated by acting, but my experience at Rudolf Steiner school encouraged me to pursue it as a career." "Steiner was a free-spirited school that encouraged creativity and individualism." (Kelowna Waldorf School (2010)[Online])

Harrison Ford sends his children to Steiner Waldorf Schools (Kelowna Waldorf School (2010)[Online]).



References:
Kelowna Waldorf School (2010) Famous Waldorf Students. [Online] Available at: http://www.kelownawaldorf.org/kws-blog/2010/2/6/famous-waldorf-students.html [Accessed: 6/2/2014].