The developmental education model founded by Rudolf Steiner in 1919 and now practised at some 1,200 schools worldwide. Waldorf education structures schooling around three broad phases (early childhood, primary, high school) and, in the high school years, is characterised by:
- Main Lesson blocks: three- to four-week immersions in a single subject each morning, held before other subjects begin later in the day.
- Integrated arts and practical work: every learner does woodwork, textiles, painting, music, eurythmy (movement), and drama alongside academic subjects.
- Long-term teacher-student relationships, with a class teacher accompanying learners for several years in the lower school.
- Delayed digital technology in earlier years, replaced with direct experience and handwork.
- A Class 13 matric year at the end of a 12-year developmental curriculum.
The pedagogy is rooted in anthroposophy, Steiner’s spiritual-philosophical framework. South African Waldorf schools (Michael Oak, Constantia Waldorf, Stellenbosch Waldorf, Roseway Waldorf) produce strong NSC results. Silverwood School (proposed) is described in project documents as “CAPS-compliant, Waldorf-inspired.”
See also
This page is part of the Valley of Grace High School Decision Tool Glossary.