Steiner Philosophy
The Ira Waldorf Education Programme is based on the philosophy of Dr. Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925) - a scientist and philosopher who worked extensively in the fields of education, medicine, special education, the arts, architecture, banking, agriculture and founded the spiritual science called Anthroposophy (wisdom of a human being). Steiner worked alongside Dr. Ita Wegman (1876-1943) and co-founded Anthroposophical Medicine. His dream was to provide an education which would be healing and enabled children to become free human beings in body, soul and spirit.
What is Waldorf / Steiner Education?
Waldorf Education is based on Rudolf Steiner's tenets of child development and mirrors the basic stages from childhood to adulthood. It provides an education that supports the physical, social, spiritual development of a growing child. It recognises that the child does not only possess a “brain” for academic prowess, but also a heart for emotional intelligence, a body for healthy physical growth and a soul for a lifetime of wisdom and guidance. It aims at helping children unfold their destiny in an unhurried and creative learning environment where they can find joy in learning.
The curriculum, though founded in a strong medical and spiritual background, is flexible, as Steiner pleaded for a “new education appropriate to the time”- an art of education drawn from life itself and not from a rigid curriculum. It is a non-violating form of education, synchronising the head, heart and hands to unfurl the full potential of the child.
The Teacher, the Parent - A journey of becoming...
Waldorf Education is not just a journey of becoming for the children but is an equally transforming experience for the teacher. It can be applied in a variety of settings including regular schools, special schools, nurseries and day care centres. An understanding of Waldorf Education would also aid doctors, therapists and parents understand the needs of a growing child. Some of the essential qualities cultivated through our training programme are:
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Love and respect for children as spiritual individuals who bring with them their own life destinies​
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Learning to develop and adapt a curriculum to suit individual and group needs
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The ability to create warm, nurturing environments that serve the needs of the young child
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Skills in building collaborative relationships with parents and colleagues
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Develop creative and artistic capacities for enabling creation of a beautiful learning environment
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A commitment to life-long self-development in order to become a model worthy of imitation by the children