Last Sunday marked the very first Open Day at Parkerville Steiner College. It was a light and festive atmosphere and the weather was perfect. Classrooms were full of quality student work and teachers from both campuses were present to talk about the marvellous Steiner Curriculum. 

When we are immersed in the Steiner school experience, we often forget how nourishing and supportive the curriculum is for teenagers. However, when we showcase what we do and what we are about, to new families, and they are so surprised to hear about:

• the relationship based approach, 
• the authentically holistic nature of the curriculum so that ALL the students become artists, musicians, thespians, woodworkers and craftspeople, etc. 

We are reminded to celebrate that what is going on here at school is extremely precious and good for our kids. 

In lectures, following the horror of World War I, Rudolf Steiner talked about a holistic approach, for example where art and science are not separated but inform the other, as a way to prepare teenagers for life by fostering their intellectual, emotional, and physical capacities in harmony with their inner development. 

This approach was in evidence at the Open Day:

• The work in Maths, Humanities, Languages and English were all imbued with wisdom, love, structure and artistic impulses.
• The Drama, Music, Art subjects are so healthy for teenagers and provide opportunities for self expression, empathy and social responsibility. 
• The Sport, Outdoor Ed and Camps, Craft and Woodwork keep teenagers grounded and help them develop willpower and coordination when their bodies are constantly changing. 

Last week we heard that Helena River Steiner School was winding back their Class 8 -10 programme from 2025. The Open Day provided a timely opportunity to welcome families from that lovely school in Hazelmere, as they consider where their children can go from next year. We are pleased to be working closely with Helena River during this complex transition. 

Have a wonderfully warm week.