Wednesday, February 16, 2011 - North Shore News - A23
Student Megan Harris works on “tape art” with instructor Amy Wilson. Waldorf School Grade 1 students Ella Fortin (left), Asha Findlay and Leah Read learn the art of knitting. NEWS photo Mike Wakefield
NEWS photo Mike Wakefield
The Vancouver Waldorf School In 1919, after the devastation of the First World War, a visionary scientist named Dr. Rudolf Steiner was asked by a colleague, “What can we possibly do in our society to prevent a repeat of this most horrific event?” Dr. Steiner replied, “We need a new way of thinking.” This conversation led to the development of the Waldorf curriculum. One of the ways Waldorf education develops this new way of thinking is through a curriculum that nurtures and develops not only the mind, but the whole human being. At the Vancouver Waldorf School one of the fundamental educational tools we use to this effect is the arts, which develop esthetic awareness, creativity, social harmony, and emotional expression. Just as importantly, incorporating beauty and imagination throughout the curriculum fortifies a deep • LOCAL SCHOOLS AND comprehension and understanding of each subject. At the Vancouver Waldorf School, THE IMPORTANCE OF drawing and painting, handcrafts and practical arts, movement, speech, drama, THE ARTS playing musical instruments and singing are integrated throughout the curriculum. Waldorf education has been using the arts as a way of teaching for almost a century.
PRIVATE SCHOOLS
Lions Gate Christian Academy All you have to do is look around the foyer when you enter the doors of Lions Gate Christian Academy to see the value the arts hold here. In his book The Element, Sir Ken Robinson focuses on the importance of keeping creativity in our lives. We need to create environments — in our schools, in our workplaces, and in our public offices — where every person is inspired to grow creatively. Our belief is that we are created in God’s image; and He is a creative God. So we all have the ability to express our voice through fine arts. At LGCA, we want to discover and nurture the talents and gifts in each of our students. All the beautifully framed art in our foyer is the work of current and former students. Stroll down the halls and see creative inspiration on display. Fine arts are not limited to pictures hung on walls, though. Colourful stained-glass window art brought the spirit of Christmas to our building in December. The talents of a handful of creative students recently transformed our building to a warm, sunny beach for Hawaiian Day; a nice treat in the middle of a rainy winter! Fine arts come in many forms. Our annual Christmas musical is an adventure in music, drama and stage art. Because this is a school-wide production, it is also an opportunity for student leadership, mentorship and community building. Claymation is the medium of choice for student Michael Domisiw; once taught the basics, he has taken his love of claymation to a greater level. The entire student body enjoys watching the finished product during chapels and assemblies. Jonathan Danieli’s art reflects his quirky sense of humor; he makes a statement with each drawing. Megan Harris’ lion mascot done through a taping/painting technique reflects our energetic school spirit. Our band program is growing and adding an element to Lions Gate Christian Academy that is a lifelong skill, and unique in a Christian setting are student worship teams who lead in singing and playing in our weekly chapels. We believe all students are creative and must have an expressive voice. We know our students, we love them and we teach them. At the end of the day, they also teach us through their creativity in the arts.
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