1. Rudolph Steiner His Philosophy and the Waldorf education system.

2. Biography of Rudolph Steiner 1861 – 1925 Born in Croatia – 1861 Attended Vienna Technical University 1879 Received a doctorate in philosophy 1891 His book ‘the philosophy of freedom’ was published in 1894 He worked for the German Theosophical society 1902-1909 He set up an experimental educational model for children in 1919 for Emil Molt, owner of Waldorf Tobacco. Died in 1925

3. His Philosophy – “anthroposophy” The development of the body fuses together to become whole. ‘will’ – 0 to seven years ‘rhythmic system’ – seven to fourteen years ‘head’ – from fourteen onwards Life after death is seen as another aspect of life before birth. This all focuses on the processes within the child. (Bruce, T. 1987).

4. Waldorf Education Whole-child based Early years up to 7 years Formal education begins from 7 Developing education from 14+ Overall aims

5. Conclusion Steiner greatly influenced childhood education today Steiner believed that childhood was an important stage of growth and development Steiner stresses that self-directed, child- initiated activity is vital for learning

6. Steiner’s influences today….

7. ‘ Where is that book to be found in which the teacher can read what teaching is? The children themselves are this book! We should not learn to teach out of any other book than the one lying before us and consisting of the children themselves; but in order to read in this book, we need the widest possible interest in each individual child.’ (Steiner.R 1924)