Primary School 6 - 12 years
During the
child's 7th year, he/she enters Class 1. This is a time of transition.
The child develops a readiness for formal learning and at the same time
a most vivid imagination awakens. The richness and depth of the Steiner
school curriculum is based on the recognition of these transitional phases
in the child's development. What we teach and how we teach is a direct
response to the changing awareness of each age group.The content is relevant
to the children in a deep and personal way. Every subject becomes a medium,
not only for developing necessary skills, but also for guiding the children
along the path of moral maturation.
Teachers are dedicated to fostering a genuine enthusiasm for learning. In introducing reading, writing & arithmetic in Class 1, a strong appeal is made to the creative imagination of each seven-year-old. All the basic elements of these subjects are taught through stories, painting and drawing, drama and music in such a way that head, heart and hand are involved in the learning process.
This involvement of the whole child may take a little longer, but the end result is that the child has absorbed the subject with his/her entire being. Approaching all subjects in this way ensures that the imagination utilises the intellectual thinking on which all academic learning will be based. Another important aspect of the Steiner education is the child's relationship with nature and the encouragement of a lively interest in and respect for nature and it's wondrous ways.