GLIMPSES THROUGH THE GRADE WINDOWS:

Class 1

Dreamy wide-eyed children; keen to work and learn from the teacher and each other!

Learned the secrets of the letters, where they came from. Hidden in the midst of mighty mountains, dark forests, and winding rivers. There we grappled with wicked witches, dangerous dragons, and tricky elves.

As brave princes and beautiful maidens; undaunted we met them all. Knew them in timeless, coloured pictures, singing sounds; in playful rhymes and rhythms.

Class 2

 Sometimes we were brave princes or saintly heroes. Francis of Assisi was our special hero and, in our class play we were all touched by his deep understanding of animals great and small. Like him we sympathised with the Wolf of Gubbio who didn’t really want to be bad; he was only a hungry one needing the food of human kindness.

Class 3

We became builders and gardeners! We pulled an old farm plough through the hard earth, scattered seeds which crows devoured, made mud bricks (which the rains dissolved, so we had to make them again!)  We built the Bell Tower and built it strong on rock and lots of sand. We rang the bell out loud and clear for all who cared to hear!

We tackled long multiplication tables and never-ending times-tables were tirelessly tested. Games we played of 'crows and cranes,' hopscotch, skipping and tireless tag. We enacted Moses' journey to the Promised Land; knew the Israelites’ dauntless courage against cruel Pharaoh's relentless fear; withstood plagues of locusts and rivers of blood on the way. We saw the fire in the Burning Bush, the Lightning on Mt Sinai and heard the voice of ‘I AM '. We exited the stage to faint echoes of 'Zum Gali Gali’ whisperi

Class 4

Crossing the relentless waters of the Rubicon we entered the Twilight of the Gods. We feasted on Nordic myths, sagas, and runes. Met the three Urds who wove the web of destiny at the roots of Yggdrasil - the giant Ash tree. Met dark Hella and charged on mighty steeds through the Gates of Hell. We met unconscionable Loki and felt the sting of the mistletoe arrow that pierced brave Baldurs' heart (but we knew he would someday return.)

Energetic stamping accompanied by alliterations and recitations echoed far and wide. Grammar exercises enlivened with imaginations and actions gave structure to our writing. All these things   gave clarity and balance; gave us the courage to stand upright!

Class 5

Entering a new phase of balance and harmony we became Ancient Greeks in our class play inspired by Homer’s 'Odysseus’ homecoming'. Under trusty olive branches and the wise gaze of Pallas Athene we chanted and stepped the classical rhythm of the Hexameter. We sailed between Charybdis and Scylla landing safely home in Ithaca.

Class 6

We became earthbound! and wanted to experience mechanics and gravity in our very limbs. Shamelessly, we hoisted our trusting teacher up a tree in the Adventure playground and left her helplessly dangling! Balance experiments in mechanics helped us later to better understand algebraic equations. Then there was Light! Experiments with light in complementary colours and emerging candlelight in dark cellars. There was wonder! -The formative power of sound was revealed emerging in the sand patterns of a Chladni Plate.

We never forgot the role the arts played in science!

The culmination of our class play brought gleeful elves pulling a glittering chariot circling round the classroom with precious cargo of Turkish delight whipped up by the ice Queen of Narnia. But it was mighty Aslan whose triumphant roar vanquished the icy spell and brought summer again! Hope was alive!

How strongly we recited 'Pater Noster’ (The Lord's Prayer in Latin) in our monthly assembly!

Class 7

Now we became explorers seeking new routes and ways. We met Vasco da Gama, Christopher Columbus, and Magellan along the way. Our world and horizons were expanding.

We met adventure and risks, but like the Explorers of old we were ready for the challenge.

Hungry for new experiences, we were able to survive three short interludes of power failure during our 'Midsummer Night's Dream’ play held on the Adventure Playgrounds sandy soils under starry skies. Puck was up to some mischief there! Yet we were transported in timeless dreams when the set became a palace wood in Athens where Oberon and Titania sojourned yet a while.

A hint of magic was in the air that night.

The above journey was made possible thanks to children, teachers, parents and my husband Mark who formed a community where, despite all the ups and downs, a cooperative spirit of trust, patience, perseverance, enthusiasm, and  humour prevailed. Rudolf Steiner’s insights gave truth and inspiration to all.

Rosemary Rowntree