Special Character - Tohu Motuhake

Approach

Waikato Waldorf School is a special character school that is guided by the education philosophy of Rudolf Steiner. Our approach is characterized by it’s focus on the well-being of the whole child – emotionally, physically and cognitively. All learning experiences occur in harmony with the child’s developmental need in an endeavor to allow the individuality of each child to reach its full potential. The active study and observation of children is at the heart of teacher development and is, therefore, at the heart of curriculum development and delivery.

Methods

Within the Full Primary and High School, all subjects are seen to have equal importance within the curriculum, and all contribute to a complete and balanced education. As far as practicable, students will experience every area of human activity and endeavour. Content in each subject is tailored to meet the developmental stages of the children at each year level.

We place high value on teaching and learning through the arts and movement as an integral part of all learning experiences. These activities help children develop strength of will and emotional literacy, and support the development of flexible and creative thinking. All subjects, as far as possible, are brought in an artistic way, or through practical experience. Wherever possible, practical activity paves the way for discovery and enquiry, which in turn leads to the formation of concepts.

Whilst academic achievements are measurable, there are many other less tangible educational and developmental achievements that foster a ‘joy of being’ and a ‘love of learning’

The curriculum is integrated, inter-disciplinary and artistic, thus imagination and creativity which are most important for the individual as well as for society are awakened and developed.

The New Zealand Steiner/Waldorf Schools are part of a fast-growing global education movement. The fundamental principles of Steiner/Waldorf education allow for the exploration of a wide variety of cultural traditions and worldviews.  Here at the Waikato Waldorf School, our curriculum reflects our unique setting in Aotearoa New Zealand, while acknowledging and valuing the cultural backgrounds of our diverse community.

Environment

Our school’s learning environments present a deliberate aesthetic and spatial design that is characterized by natural materials, shapes and contours that promote a sense of calm and peacefulness. This grounds the child and provides a stimulating environment for expressive, imaginative, inventive, physical and intellectual exploration. As a school, we are engaged in the human endeavor of contributing to the future of our society through ensuring the best possible upbringing for our children to achieve clarity of thought, sensitivity of feeling and strength of will.