THE first thing to catch your eye as you walk into Little Yarra Steiner School is the curved roofs nestled among gardens, with the backdrop of Mount Donna Buang’s tree-covered hills.
At the end of the school day, parents and students socialise at the Tuesday afternoon mini-market, reflecting a strong, supportive community among the families.
The education, which is based on the works of Rudolf Steiner, focuses on the developmental needs particular to each age.
It addresses the education of the whole child: head, heart and hands. In the preschool years, there is a focus on rhythm, routine and self-initiated play, which helps to grow an active and directed will, and a rich imagination.
The rooms are warm and cosy, with a wood-fired heater quietly burning in the corner. Moving through to the primary school, the evidence of that rich imagination is everywhere, in the wax figurines on display, the artwork adorning the walls and creative ways in which school work is presented in their books.
Each child studies a ‘main lesson’ for the first two hours of each morning, which is a three-week block of work focusing on a particular subject: English, maths, history and science are brought to the students in an engaging and creative manner.
These subjects are also coupled with lessons in German, craft, music, gymnastics, and later on woodwork and orchestra, forming an all-encompassing, rich and nurturing curriculum.
In the high school, this diversity in education carries through for all students.
The Steiner school is often thought of as a school for artistically minded students; however, Steiner himself emphasised the importance of mathematics and the sciences.
In the upper school, there is a maturity and mutual respect in the way students and teachers relate.
The content is engaging and thought-provoking.
It is here where the creativity developed in the early years comes to the fore, as the creative and critical minds meet.
Over the past decade, VCE students have enjoyed the opportunity to undertake an ‘Independent Project’ during Year 12.
The project allows students to focus on one area of study of particular interest.
VCE students also engage in ‘main lesson’ programs focusing across a broad range of subjects.
If you are interested in more information, there is a high school information evening coming up on Tuesday, 13 May, at 7.30pm, with school tours occurring regularly.
Further information available at www.lyss.vic.edu.au.
The information evening will provide the opportunity to learn more about the curriculum, as well as talk with the high school teachers.
