Why Steiner?

A brief history of Steiner education

Steiner education, also known as Waldorf education, was founded by Rudolf Steiner in 1919 in Stuttgart, Germany. Steiner, an Austrian philosopher, scientist, and artist, believed in educating the whole child—head, heart, and hands. His approach emphasised the integration of intellectual, artistic, and practical skills, aiming to foster balanced and creative individuals who could contribute meaningfully to society. 

The first Waldorf school was established for the children of factory workers, and since then, the movement has grown globally. Today, there are over 1,200 Waldorf schools in more than 70 countries, including Australia. 

The philosophy and educational approach

At the heart of Steiner education is a deep respect for the individuality of each child. The curriculum is designed to meet children at their specific developmental stages, nurturing their intellectual, emotional, and physical growth. Steiner education is not just about imparting knowledge but about cultivating imagination, creativity, and a love of learning. 

Key principles of Steiner education: 

• Developmentally appropriate learning: Education is tailored to align with the natural stages of child development. This ensures that learning experiences resonate with the child’s growing capacities. 

• Integration of arts and academics: The curriculum is rich in artistic and practical activities, which are seamlessly woven into academic learning. This holistic approach fosters creativity and critical thinking. 

• Emphasis on moral and social responsibility: Steiner education encourages students to develop a strong sense of ethics, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship. 

Introducing the Main lesson

Students begin their day with a main lesson, an immersive session that integrates multiple subjects. This is followed by practice lessons and specialist subjects, ensuring a dynamic and engaging day. From arts to sciences, every activity is designed to stimulate their intellectual curiosity and creative talents. 

The stages of development: Play, Imagine, and Reason

Steiner education recognises three main stages of child development, each with its own educational focus: 

• Play (Early Childhood – Playgroup to Kindergarten):
  In the early years, children learn through play and imitation. This stage focuses on nurturing a sense of wonder and joy in learning. Activities are hands-on, sensory-rich, and involve a lot of imaginative play, which builds the foundation for future intellectual development.
• Imagine (Primary School – Class 1 to 6):
  As children enter primary school, their imagination and creativity are at the forefront. Learning is brought to life through storytelling, artistic expression, and experiential activities. This stage is about fostering a deep connection to the material, encouraging students to think creatively and engage fully with their learning.
• Reason (High School – Class 7 to 12):
  During the high school years, students develop the ability to think critically and independently. The curriculum becomes more academically rigorous, with a strong emphasis on analytical thinking, problem-solving, and self-reflection. This stage prepares students for the challenges of higher education and adult life, equipping them with the tools to reason and make informed decisions. 

“The true aim of education is to awaken real powers of perception and judgement in relation to life and living. For only such an awakening can lead to true freedom.” 
– Rudolph Steiner

For more detailed information about the stages of Steiner education and its implementation in Australia, you can visit the Steiner Education Australia website. 

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