Following the ground-breaking methodology established by Rudolf Steiner 100 years ago, Roseway Waldorf offers a rigorous education that answers many of today’s most pertinent questions
Set on a beautiful campus in Alverstone Conservancy, Roseway Waldorf is a young school with a rich pedigree for producing innovative, resilient graduates, ready to take on whatever the future throws at them. From the baby group through to matric, Waldorf focuses on the joy of discovery, promoting critical thinking and fostering a life-long love for learning.
While KwaZulu-Natal residents may not be familiar with the Waldorf system, Roseway Waldorf is part of one of the world’s largest private school movements, with over 1 000 schools in more than 60 countries – 18 of those in South Africa. The methodology is particularly popular in Europe, where it has even influenced public schooling.
While Steiner’s pedagogical indications were born from the uncertainty of post-World War One Europe, its principles have never seemed more relevant – to create a healthy community where children learn with enthusiasm, strive to be independent thinkers and are confident that they will make a difference in the world.
This 12-year concept (with a 13th year for those who wish to complete the National Senior Certificate) is divided into three development phases and is based on an in-depth understanding of each growth stage. While new students are welcomed at any point, the greatest results have been seen in those who complete the full programme. Students do not specialise, but rather experience a range of subjects (from Science to Mathematics, Technology, Languages, Music, Art and Drama), with lessons that aim to develop the powers of observation, critical thinking and collaboration. Assessment is done on an ongoing basis, rather than with periodic exams, meaning that every lesson is important and learning is a part of everyday life.
Waldorf teachers are required to complete a B. Ed teaching qualification, followed by two years of training in Waldorf pedagogy, with a continuous programme of self-development to ensure that they are the best possible role models for their students. Roseway Waldorf teachers have been appointed as adjudicators for various subjects in the local district.
A unique feature of a Waldorf education is that children have the same teacher that moves up with them throughout primary school, with another teacher continuing as their “guardian” or registration teacher in high school. This means that each year group is able to develop a very special relationship with each other and their main teacher, who, in turn, learns the best way to connect with each student and their parents. Specialist subjects are taught by expert teachers.
The family structure is a valued part of the Waldorf environment, with a solid home foundation seen as vital for students to cope at school. As such, homework is kept to a minimum, allowing children to enjoy time at home, digest what they have learnt and to focus on learning when they are at school.
A common misconception is that there is no discipline at a Waldorf school. However, this is not the case. There is a timetable and structure at every stage, with students encouraged to take responsibility for their actions and to consider the consequences. Discipline is dealt with on an individual basis, with an emphasis on transformation, rather than punishment. In this way, children are equipped with the tools they need to cope better in future.
Waldorf prizes the importance of community and is run as such, with no school principal and no prefect system. Rather, teachers model the kind of collaboration and respect for others that they wish to instil in their students, working together to best serve each child. Likewise, older children are encouraged to provide a positive example for those around them, in their own unique way.
All considered, a Waldorf education provides a well-grounded, solid foundation for young people who are equipped with a creative mind-set that allows them to see what is possible, rather than what is, enabling them to make the most of the world they have inherited.
www.rosewaywaldorf.co.za
secretary@rosewaywaldorf.co.za
031 768 1309
