Rudolf Steiner Education

Rudolf Steiner education, delivered through Waldorf schools, is based on the philosophy of Dr. Rudolf Steiner (1860-1925).

The Waldorf name comes from the Waldorf-Astoria factory in Stuttgart, owned by forward-thinking tobacco magnate Emil Molte, who wished to provide a new and sound education for the children of his employees. He turned to Rudolf Steiner for the organisation of this school. When it became known that Dr. Steiner had accepted the leadership of the school, children came from every stratum of society to be educated using Steiner’s new, spiritual-scientific knowledge.

Waldorf education is not a dogmatic kind of education, evolved out of ordinary motives. It responds to the spiritual evolution of humanity and, as such, aims to educate the whole child: body, soul and spirit.

Teachers, unrestricted by the usual external prescriptions and regimentations, develop teaching methods out of a thorough knowledge of the whole of human make-up. Rudolf Steiner said, “To undertake to achieve bodily education merely through an influence upon the body itself is utter folly.”

According to Steiner’s spiritual science, mankind historically inhabited and participated in a spiritual world. Faculties for connecting with this world lie latent in every man. It is this spiritual organisation which moulds man’s course of life. Waldorf education aims to “draw out” from a child, not simply “put in”.

So, the world of the child’s own reality is explored first, the sights and sounds, the smells and skills. The child’s own imagination is engaged, using told stories, music and play. Daily routines for young children include preparing and sharing food, supported in the bigger picture by significant festivals.

It is not until a child is truly spiritually ready and receptive that the more formal elements of education are delivered, in the gentle surroundings and using the natural rhythms and processes for which Waldorf education is renowned. Children emerge creative, flexible and confident as well as “educated”.

Steiner’s Spiritual Science is deeper than most of us can comprehend, but its worldly manifestations: biodynamic agriculture, farming and beekeeping, anthroposophical medicine and curative education and Waldorf education are chosen by people from all over the world as being the best for both the individual and for the evolution of humanity and our planet.