Ten Key Principles of Steiner education

As we begin to think about the year ahead, for those considering education options for their children in 2025, we thought it was timely to look at ten principles that guide teaching methods at The Alice Springs Steiner School.

Steiner Education, also known as Waldorf Education, is based on the educational philosophy of Rudolf Steiner, an Austrian philosopher, educator, and social reformer. The key principles of Steiner education, particularly in Australia, reflect an approach to holistic and child-centred learning, which focuses on developing the intellectual, artistic, practical, and moral capacities of students. The key principles include:

1. Developmentally Appropriate Education

Steiner education follows the principle of educational stages based on the child’s developmental phases. The curriculum is designed to align with the physical, emotional, and intellectual growth of the child:

• Early Childhood (Birth to 7 years): Focus on imaginative play, movement, and social interaction. Learning through practical activities such as arts, crafts, and storytelling.
• Primary School (7 to 14 years): Emphasis on creative learning, storytelling, and the arts, alongside academic subjects. The teacher acts as a role model, and each class stays with one teacher for a significant number of years to build trust and continuity.
• Adolescence (14 to 18 years): Focus shifts towards abstract thinking, independent learning, and preparing for the future. Subjects are taught with a strong emphasis on experiential learning, art, science, and social responsibility.

2. The Role of the Teacher

In Steiner education, the teacher plays a significant role not only in imparting academic knowledge but also in fostering moral and spiritual development. Teachers are trained to observe each child individually, understanding their needs, strengths, and challenges, and they often stay with the same class over multiple years to establish deep relationships and continuity in the learning journey.

• Teacher as Guide: The teacher guides the students’ learning through a balance of structure and creativity, encouraging curiosity and self-discovery rather than rote memorisation.

3. Integration of Arts and Academics

Steiner education places a strong emphasis on the integration of the arts in the academic curriculum. Artistic activities (e.g., painting, music, drama, and handcrafts) are not seen as separate from academic subjects but as vital to a child’s intellectual and emotional development.

• Every subject is approached artistically and imaginatively, whether in literature, history, science, or mathematics. For example, math might be taught through rhythm and movement, and history through storytelling and drama.

4. Imagination and Play

In the early years, Steiner education places great emphasis on play and imaginative activities as the foundation for learning. Play is seen as the primary means through which children develop social skills, problem-solving abilities, and cognitive flexibility.

• Play-based learning supports the development of creativity and emotional intelligence, and it is a vital means of fostering joy and wonder in learning.

5. Aesthetic and Environmental Awareness

Connection to nature and the environment is a central aspect of Steiner education. Schools often emphasize outdoor learning, gardening, and nature-based activities. Classrooms are designed to be aesthetically pleasing, with natural materials and warm colors, promoting a healthy, balanced environment for learning.

6. Emphasis on Moral and Social Responsibility

Steiner education seeks to foster a sense of personal responsibility and social consciousness. Students are encouraged to develop empathy, ethical reasoning, and a commitment to social justice and community service.

• The curriculum often includes topics on human rights, sustainability, and social values, with a focus on developing students who can contribute positively to society.

7. Holistic Learning

Learning in Steiner schools is holistic, addressing the intellectual, emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects of a child. The goal is to help students become well-rounded individuals, capable of thinking critically, feeling deeply, and acting ethically.

• Subjects such as literature, science, and history are taught not only for their intellectual content but also for their moral and cultural significance.

8. Non-Standardised Approach to Assessment

Steiner education generally avoids traditional forms of standardised testing. Instead, assessment is often qualitative and observational. Teachers observe and engage with each student’s development, providing feedback based on their growth rather than on test scores or rigid metrics.

• There is an emphasis on individualised assessment, where the focus is on the child’s unique path of development rather than comparing them to peers or imposing external benchmarks.

9. Community and Parent Involvement

Steiner schools often emphasise strong connections with parents and the broader community. Parents are encouraged to be actively involved in their child’s education and the life of the school. Schools typically have a close-knit community atmosphere, where teachers, parents, and students work together to support the child’s development.

10. Spiritual and Ethical Development

While not religious in nature, Steiner education is often described as spiritual in approach, with a focus on developing a child’s inner life. This includes cultivating self-awareness, a sense of wonder and reverence, and a respect for diverse cultures and viewpoints.

Steiner Education in Australia

• Curriculum in Practice: The curriculum in Australian Steiner schools aligns with the Australian National Curriculum but is adapted to meet the developmental needs of children according to Steiner's philosophy. This allows for a flexible, balanced approach, integrating Steiner's principles with national educational requirements.
• Wide Popularity: While Steiner schools in Australia are relatively small in number, they are growing in popularity. There are schools in almost every state and territory, and many offer early childhood programs, primary schools, and high school education.

In summary, Steiner education in Australia aims to nurture and educate the whole child, fostering intellectual, emotional, social, and physical development through an arts-integrated, child-centred approach that respects developmental stages and emphasises creativity, moral responsibility, and community.