“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all”

Aristotle

Q

How will my child benefit from attending Kildare Steiner Secondary School?

A

Steiner Education is a unique, holistic, integrative educational experience. This means that your child will not only benefit academically, but also in creative, personal and social skills. The Steiner educational approach leads to the development of creative, positive, resilient young people who easily solve problems, think critically and communicate openly and honestly. These are the abilities that University Professors are now looking for in 3rd Level Students.

Q

What subjects will my child study in Kildare Steiner Secondary School?

A

The subject range for Classes 7, 8 and 9 is quite similar to the subject range in mainstream secondary schools – the difference is in the teaching methodology. Subjects include English, Maths, Irish, European Languages, Science, History, Geography, Music, Fine Art, Woodwork, Cookery, Bushcraft and Gardening. Science subjects include Physics, Astronomy, Chemistry, Biology and Ecology.

Q

So what is the difference in the Teaching Methodology?

A

Steiner education is an integrative approach drawing on the creative reservoir that lies deep inside every child. The connection between teacher and child is nurtured and the respect for each individual child is reflected in the respect for the teacher. The acknowledgment of the importance of integrating academic learning with creativity in all its mediums is reflected in the holistic way in which the children learn and in the way in which they retain information and feed it back in a completely individual way. In Steiner Secondary Schools students are actively involved in all aspects of their education – as well as using their mental capacity (Head), they are also using their creative capacity (Hands), and personal/social capacity (Heart).

Q

Does my child have to be creative to start off with?

A

The creativity we are concerned with is not about being really artistic or musical or “crafty” – it is the creativity that develops when a child is given the space and opportunity to come up with their own ideas about something, discussing/negotiating the possibilities, being involved in the solution, trying things out for themselves, researching and sharing ideas. In Steiner Secondary School the students are not expected to just listen and take on board all that the teacher tells them, they are allowed to question ideas and actually experience the new learning by seeing it in action as opposed to taking it for granted from having read it in a book. When the student can see, touch, feel the idea they know it forever.

Q

What about Exams? Do students of Kildare Steiner School sit the Junior Certificate?

A

In Steiner Secondary Schools, Class 7,8 and 9 are equivalent to 1st, 2nd and 3rd year in mainstream schools. Whilst subjects relating to the Junior Certificate are taught, the emphasis is on the development of the student as a whole person rather than teaching subjects for an exam. In Ireland, it is not a legal requirement to sit the Junior Certificate exam, nor is it necessary in order to progress to a Senior Cycle of Leaving Certificate.

Q

What about the Leaving Certificate or equivalent exams?

A

As Kildare Steiner Secondary School is a new initiative it is proposed that the school years will initially cover Class 7, 8 and 9. Until the school evolves towards Class 10, 11 and 12 (equivalent to Transition Year, 5th and 6th Year) students will progress from the school after Class 9, to continue with their Secondary education or other alternative choices they make at this stage.

Q

My child is not coming from a Steiner Primary School, can he move from mainstream or from any other educational background to Kildare Steiner Secondary School?

A

Yes, children from all educational backgrounds can attend our Secondary School regardless of what school they previously attended or what form of education they received e.g. home schooling, mainstream, Steiner etc.

Q

I wonder about my child’s transition to Kildare Steiner Secondary School, having spent 8 years in a mainstream Primary School. How is the transition managed and will he fit in?

A

Our teachers are experts in supporting mainstream students to settle and adapt to a new way of learning. As Steiner Education is completely ‘child centered’ the individual needs of each new child are met. The school offers a trial period of two weeks for a young person to try out this method, which may feel quite different to them. Following this the Class Guardian will meet with the child and their parents to discuss and think through next steps for enrolment.

Q

As a new parent to the school will I be expected to know a lot about the Steiner approach to education?

A

No, your interest in the approach is enough. As a member of the school community you will have ample opportunity to observe and to learn from the teachers and other parents.

Q

Will there be Parent-Teacher meetings and school reports?

A

Yes, Parent-Teacher evenings take place once a term. At these meetings all the parents from the class meet with the teacher who discusses what learning has taken place. Teachers also meet parents on a one-to-one basis as the need arises. School reports are presented to parents and students at the end of the year. It is a rich and rounded report, documenting all aspects of the young person’s education for the year.

Q

What about family involvement in the School for fundraising etc?

A

The School is a whole community. As such we work with each other to support and develop the School through a range of activities, including fairs, educational events for adults and celebrating seasonal festivals. We also connect to the wider Steiner Waldorf movement throughout Ireland, Europe and the world.

Useful links:

Kildare Steiner School (Parent & Child Group, Kindergarten and Primary): www.kildaresteinerschool.ie

Raheen Woods Steiner Secondary School: www.alfaproject.org

Steiner Waldorf Schools Fellowship: https://www.steinerwaldorf.org/

 

“I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious”. Albert Einstein