Constant pressure to perform, exam anxiety and poor grades encourage learning stress. The state education system offers pupils little support. This distinguishes it from the Waldorf school concept, which is geared towards child development and promotes holistic learning without the pressure to perform. The first Waldorf School was founded in 1919 as a private school for children of workers at the Waldorf Astoria cigarette factory in Stuttgart.
The special thing about this school system is that every child can learn at their own pace. However, the desired school-leaving qualification must be completed externally at a state school.
The philosophy of Waldorf education describes education as self-education. With the Waldorf school concept, the idea of social justice in education was realized for the first time more than 100 years ago.
Waldorf schools were the first comprehensive schools to replace the previous principle of selection with a humane pedagogy of individual support. Waldorf education focuses on the learning progress of each individual pupil.
Nevertheless, there are internal school-leaving qualifications. For this purpose, individual learning goals are defined and documented on the basis of learning progress. At the end of the school year, each child receives a detailed report without grades. As a holistic educational concept, the Waldorf school is a proven option to the regular state school.
At Waldorf schools, teaching takes place in the form of holistic learning. Holistic means not limiting oneself to individual school subjects, but focusing on the whole. According to the Waldorf school concept, school lessons are divided into key subjects. These are referred to as "epochs".
The students work on a specific subject area for several weeks. A learning diary is kept to check the level of knowledge and progress made in learning. This is also used for self-reflection.
In the Waldorf school concept, school grades as the basis for performance assessment are only provided for from the ninth school year onwards. The grades are intended to prepare the children specifically for their final examinations.
In contrast to regular public schools, Waldorf classes stay together until graduation. There is no sitting out. The Waldorf school concept gives special consideration to the diversity of children's abilities.
The principle of individual learning supports underachieving pupils. Gifted children also benefit from the Waldorf school concept. They can develop their talents freely and are encouraged to develop further. Two foreign languages are taught in a Waldorf school from the very first year.
The curriculum at a Waldorf school covers a wide range of subjects. In addition to foreign languages and social sciences, the subjects also include handicraft and creative teaching units.
Typical Waldorf school subjects are the art of movement (eurythmy) and horticulture. Eurythmy is about representing sounds and noises through movement. The children practise expressing their emotions through dance and movement.
Anthroposophical movement art is a performing art in its own right. It is often part of stage productions. Individual movements can be used to represent situations or to dance one's own name.
The teaching methods reflect the Waldorf school concept. The focus is on:
Children who attend a Waldorf school are perceived as individuals. The educational goal is to educate pupils to become free, self-determined people.
In order to facilitate the learning of social skills, learning takes place in the same class group from the first to the 13th school year. These visual lessons stimulate creative thinking and imagination in the children in the first years of school.
The Waldorf school concept deliberately avoids pressure to perform. No change of school is recommended in the event of learning difficulties or poor grades. It is also not necessary to change schools. Waldorf schools offer the most important school-leaving qualifications. These are
Fine arts and crafts play a major role in the Waldorf school concept. The unity of science, art and religion is the basis of Rudolf Steiner's pedagogy.
The Austrian-born philosopher and scientist who developed anthroposophy founded the first Waldorf school together with Emil Molt. Waldorf education is based on the anthroposophical theory of man that he developed.
The Waldorf school concept is characterized by the knowledge of the developmental phases of the human being. The content also includes fine arts and crafts to promote the child's creative abilities. Craftsmanship can be learned, trained and improved.
The holistic view of the human being described by Rudolf Steiner is still relevant today.
The Waldorf school concept attaches great importance to free movement and closeness to nature. Free movement promotes coordination skills, a sense of balance and flexibility. Free play in the schoolyard and playground allows the children to develop their personalities freely.
The realization that nature strengthens the soul and reduces stress is deeply rooted in the Waldorf school concept. Being close to nature affects emotions and feelings. This is why lessons at a Waldorf school regularly take place in nature.
As early as the first years of school, children are taught experiential knowledge about nature in a vivid way. Because experiencing and exploring nature with all the senses is at the top of the Waldorf school curriculum.
In the Waldorf school concept, class teachers are regarded as the most important caregivers of the school children. To ensure that a trusting relationship develops from the day the child starts school, one teacher looks after the class for several school years. A change of teacher is avoided out of consideration for the children's personal development.
The task of the specialist is to encourage the pupils and support them in their learning. Teachers who teach at a Waldorf school consider themselves to be initiators and mentors. Teaching and support are based on the three principles of Waldorf education:
The individuality of the person is always addressed on three levels: emotional, mental and physical. A pedagogical professional in a Waldorf school should be a good role model for the children through their actions and moral behavior.
The Waldorf school concept differs from the state school system. The differences are often the subject of pedagogical discussions. Challenges and controversies are reported in connection with the Waldorf school concept.
The most important criticism of this type of school concerns the qualifications of the teaching staff. Teaching at a Waldorf school does not require a classical degree. Many Waldorf teachers have a different professional background.
This diversity is also a great advantage. Waldorf teachers bring knowledge from a wide range of disciplines. The pupils benefit from this broad spectrum of knowledge.
There are no clear learning plans at most Waldorf schools. The lack of a learning structure often causes confusion and uncertainty. Transferring to a regular school can be difficult.
Another challenge is the lack of grading in the first eight years of school. As there are no school grades, knowledge deficits may only be recognized at a late stage.
Does Waldorf school really prepare children adequately for life? Pupils are the focus of attention in this holistic school system.
Learning at a Waldorf school takes place in a relaxed environment. Creative skills are encouraged, as are talents in the natural sciences and humanities. Theoretical lessons, free movement and closeness to nature enable the development of a strong personality.
As preparation for life, Waldorf schools also offer pupils who are accepted as lateral entrants the opportunity to develop freely.
Waldorf schools have existed in Germany for more than 100 years. The school system developed by anthroposophist Rudolf Steiner has proven itself as an educational option to the conventional school system.
Waldorf education bridges the gap between rich and poor. In principle, access to a Waldorf school is open to all pupils, regardless of their background. The Waldorf school concept fulfills cultural, ecological and economic conditions. Lessons not only impart knowledge, but also promote the children's individual abilities.
Is the Waldorf school concept an option for your children? Do you want them to learn with less effort and have more fun in class? We have a free e-book for you as a practical learning aid: The 10 best tips for fun and success in learning ready. The tried-and-tested tips from learning expert Markus Hofmann are designed to help you support your children in their learning.
