Education for a better 21^st century? 

The Holywood Steiner School believes it has the answer

School has started and the Holywood Steiner School in Holywood, Co Down, is no different from any other – except, that it is of course.

The school is more than 30 years old and is part of the largest independent school’s network in the world. It follows the international Waldorf-Steiner curriculum which has been around since the 1920s. Currently it has almost 100 students ranging from Primary One (Kindergarten) through to GCSE.

“The Holywood school began as an alternative to the current mainstream system in the 1970s,” says Karla Gordon, a teacher and member of the College. “Today it is even more relevant than it has ever been.”

When asked to list the differences between the school and state education, Karla says, “We don’t really think of the differences, because we do not define ourselves through difference. What we do talk about is what Steiner education is – we believe that the description and experience of the system is merit enough. Children who come through the school are a testament with their independent, confident and sociable natures. Steiner education prepares you for life.”

The school’s website talks about Waldorf/Steiner education as a philosophy that “human possibility is seen as infinite”. It also says that the curriculum is inspired by the idea that instead of requiring the child to conform to what may be convenient for teachers and timetables, the growing and evolving child passes through different life stages. The comprehensive curriculum then supports the child's needs at the different stages.

"Because of this,” continues Karla, “we have an ethos teaching children to know and love the world and their fellow living beings. It is this that makes Steiner education profoundly ecological and unique.”

Stephanie Sim is a parent in the school and she talks about the “depth of passion and commitment the teachers have” as well as “the richness of the quality of education” the kids get.

“Students in the school have an ethos of co-operation and community which strengthens whatever they learn,” she says. “There is also a really good spread in the subjects taught and covered. Children don’t only study reading and maths at the age of seven, but languages, woodwork, gardening, cooking, eurythmy and music are a just as important. Art is a part of every subject that they do. This is because in a Steiner school it is recognised that beauty is intrinsic in nourishing the child.”

When asked if there were any drawbacks she laughs. “We’d really love state funding. The school is a charity and is entirely reliant on donations – parents give what they can and families who cannot afford it are subsidised. We also need to be very involved in the school as it is also a community – so I’m always feeling guilty that I’m not doing enough! But I wouldn’t have it any other way. For a child the school is their other world away from home and it is a real gift that we are able to get as involved as we do.”

The school is extremely active and runs three festivals a year that are open to the public. Numerous festivals are celebrated within the school itself as well. It also has an active parent body and even a study group that parents can avail of.

“People who send their children to the school are the kind of people who are naturally active in the community,” says Karla. “The school is really a labour of love not just by the staff but families as well.”

The school holds activities and events that are open to all. For an up to date listing of these and more about the school, go to www.holywood-steiner.co.uk. Contact the school on 028 9042 8029 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . There is also a Mother and Toddlers’ talk by Else Gottgens, International Waldorf Schools Advisor, “Phases of Childhood”. It will be held at the school on 23 September 2009, 10.30 – 11.00 am. Everyone is welcome.

ENDS