Understanding Our Special Character

Special Character is not confined to any single aspect of a school’s activity.

It is expressed in educational aims, curriculum content and delivery, teaching methods and organisational structures, as well as in the social and physical environment of the school. It is essentially an integrated approach with all aspects interconnected in a mutually supportive way.

The above diagram is a set of principles that was worked on by our Fellowship (Principals of all Waldorf-Steiner schools across New Zealand) in 2024 and is now being implemented in all of our schools nationally.

These five principles outline the special character and the beliefs that underpin not just our curriculum but the way we operate as a school.

Stages of Development - Steiner Waldorf education works with the incarnating process where the spiritual and physical come together to make the whole child. We recognise the physical, spiritual, social and psychological stages, and working with them ensures that we deliver the right programme to learners.

Twelve Senses - Steiner Waldorf education aims to develop the entire human being nurturing and developing all twelve senses

Grounded in Aotearoa - We honour Te Ao Māori. It is part of who we are; it is our identity as it speaks to our sense of belonging. Steiner Waldorf schools are relevant to our time and place. We acknowledge Te Tiriti o Waitangi as a founding document of Aotearoa NZ.

Consciously Actively Connecting with the Spiritual World - Steiner Waldorf education recognizes the existence of the spiritual world and that we actively work with it individually and collectively

Unfolding Human Potential within a spirit of Community - Collaborating and learning as an inclusive and diverse community supports the gradual unfolding of individual potential of every child.

In future weeks we will look at some of the specific practices we use underneath each of these principles.