Learn and play the Waldorf way

On the bank of a dry river in the outskirts of Windhoek, amongst acacia trees and the cry of a rooster, children come together in the early morning light, forming a big circle as they hold hands. Clothed in red, blue and white school shirts, their day begins with a song and a few informal announcements before they frolic off to their classroom where a handshake and welcome from their teacher marks the start of the schoolday. Only one classroom per grade means there are about 20 learners building a bond with one another and their primary teacher, with whom they journey together from Grade 1 to 7. As the fundamental building blocks of a human, undivided attention and a headstrong agenda of play are the order of the day. This is Waldorf School Windhoek, and since 2000 they have been at the helm of guiding kindergarteners to Grade 12s to be passionate, free-thinking and self-regulating members of a contemporary society.

Waldorf is the brainchild of Rudolf Steiner, a scientist, architect and philosopher who conceptualised this alternative approach to learning in the early 20th century. His philosophy emphasises three developmental stages: During early childhood, in other words from birth up to age 6 or 7, learning occurs through imitation, empathy and experience. In Waldorf this period focuses on traditional activities like baking and gardening, and cultivating feelings through artistic expression. From ages 7 to 12 or 13, rhythm and imagery drive education. During this stage, Waldorf schools prioritise arts, music and dance, as well as languages. The final stage, spanning puberty to young adulthood, hones abstract thinking, ethical reasoning and social responsibility. This stage of the Waldorf curriculum emphasises academics and specialised subject teachers.

Grounded in the philosophy that learners who learn from life become lifelong learners, Waldorf departs from the mainstream school system that prioritises academic achievement over human development. The individual child is at the very core of everything they do at Waldorf. This system is built on the principal (and primal fact) that every human is unique, and deserves to learn in ways that best serve their long-term purpose.

Waldorf departs from the mainstream school system that prioritises academic achievement over human development.

Massive misconception dominates the narratives about Waldorf, citing statements like “airy-fairy” and “impractical”. And while this system might not be for everyone, the kids and parents that choose this path are forever changed by the holistic approach to schooling and simply being.

The primary school structure of Waldorf relies on “epochs”, month-long blocks of fundamental subjects that take up about half of the schoolday. In the morning, subjects like history, astronomy and science are mindfully instructed by the class teacher. The second half of the schoolday, after a joyous breaktime of gallivanting on the playground, is divided into shorter periods spent on language, mathematics and practical subjects like gardening or sewing.

Middle school becomes more structured, as all subjects are approached in equal length periods. Still, there’s something a little different about the practical approach. This author visited a Grade 7 class, where learners were hand-drawing the digestive system in order to fully comprehend how it functions. Textbooks do not exist, as students write their own, thereby solidifying knowledge through their own understanding, notes, doodles and handwriting.

By the end of high school, Waldorf Windhoek students are eligible to write the standardised external examinations, affording them the opportunity to apply for university. And should a Grade 12 learner require more time to master a subject, they have the option of completing the AS level exam in a 13th year.

In a conversation with the school’s general manager, Carola Hildebrand, one factor stood out. In the school’s weekly meetings, a teacher has the opportunity to discuss any challenge or shortcoming of a particular child. In turn, other teachers who also teach that child are made aware of their challenge or excellence, and adjust the syllabus and their approach to that child accordingly.

I can only imagine what a world full of Waldorf-schooled people might look like, and what a vivid and beautiful society that might be. Waldorf School Windhoek is for passionate parents who might consider gifting their children with this remarkable opportunity, and aspirational teachers seeking a fulfilled career to pursue the Waldorf way.

Charene Labuschagne