Marianne testimonial

Exeter Steiner School Education is a journey not a race.

My daughter is five and really at home at the Exeter Steiner School kindergarten. She dances down the lane so happy to get there every morning.

We first started going to the school when she was five months old to the parent and toddler group. I was so relieved to find such a graceful and sacred environment for the two of us to be held in. My daughter felt so precious and new, and I so emotional and in need of a sanctuary in which to nurture us both. So much of what is on offer for parents and their babies felt chaotic and harsh and I was so relieved when I found such a beautiful place in Exeter.

The rhythm of the morning was led by gentle singing. The toddler leaders presence was calming as she moved with great awareness of her gestures and with consciousness of the tone of her voice and with her heart open. This was always very powerful for the parents in the room as we were reminded of the peace we need to hold for ourselves and for our little ones. That our intent, our gestures , our words and our whole being should be worthy of imitation by the child we are nurturing. Everything in the room was beautiful to look upon. Toys of natural wood, handmade dolls, silk play cloths, fleeces and lyres. Tiny children making bread and singing, the light through pink dyed muslin curtains, a nature table laden with the seasons harvest, a candle and blessing song to begin the feast, - our souls have been nourished by this place ever since.

It would have been so different if I had not discovered this amazing teaching, how easy it is to forget ‘present centeredness' in our children's company. The school constantly teaches and reminds me of who I can be for my daughter in a world so full of deadlines, of plastic, of unconsciousness and over stimulation.

The kindergarten, for three and a half year old to six/seven year olds is a busy place. In the kingdom of innocence , the children can play; as pilots, builders, carpenters, lords and ladies. They cook, iron, take care of babies, paint, sing and draw. They hear stories, see puppet shows, bake bread, make soup, model beeswax, build houses, run, jump and laugh, creating a community together. Their rightful ‘work' and preparation for life, is to be fully immersed in such ‘significant play'. The teacher and her assistant are attentive and help as needed, and are happy to be brought things as part of the children's play , but they don't get down and play with the children or interrupt them except when it is necessary for safety or to resolve conflicts if the children are unable to work them out for themselves. On a child's birthday their parents are invited to attend the morning session, to join in the ‘circle time' and partake in a special ceremony. This is when we as parents get to really be a part of the kindergarten. It is awesome to be in the room with this special awareness on the part of the teacher and her assistant. Their attitude and presence really allows something magical and un-hindered in the child's play that almost makes me tiptoe around so as not to break the magic that is happening among them.

Because the young child is an imitative being the teacher simply begins each activity, and the children follow along. It is so amazing when I remember this at home. Instead of saying, “ now we are doing this“, I simply begin sweeping and ask “where are the little mice who come and collect up all the crumbs?” and my little daughter scurries along, totally thrilled at this game of tidy up. I am so thankful every day for the place in our lives this little school has softened and nourished, and there is always so much more to discover and learn.

In line with the model of education seen in many European countries and Steiner Schools around the world, formal learning at Exeter Steiner School begins in the 7 th year with entrance into class one. A gentle transition is made from the dreamy consciousness of the child before age seven, by way of imagination, for a healthy education that grows with the child at the child's pace. We see the older children having such a varied and lively time, very often engaged in learning outdoors. They are at present working on a performance of the story of ‘Gilgamesh‘!

The school offers a broad curriculum and practical craft based activities are used to support academic learning. The children study German and French, singing, instrumental music, eurhythmy (which is an amazing movement practise) and watercolour painting from class one, as well as the more conventional academic subjects, all of which are presented in an imaginative and creative way to engage the pupils in practical and active learning, rather than just from a book or blackboard lecture. I have never seen maths look so fun as when they are all running and jumping about in the playground doing it!.

Our School community is rich with Festival celebrations from all the cultures that make up the school. I am so glad that my daughter is growing up with beautiful ceremony and ritual as part of her life. It is these special times that are never forgotten I think, and enrich the soul life, which must be more sustaining to us than anything else. These festivals mark the changes we see around us as the year progresses, giving us a sense of connection to the natural world. As a community we organize workshops, recitals, lectures, ceilidhs, picnics, dances, musical events and so on giving us all the opportunity to gather as friends and family to celebrate the riches of life and community.

The School has just moved to its new site at 80 Merrivale Road, St Thomas Exeter where we have a much improved beautiful outdoor space with mature trees and various gardens.. If you would like to visit please call the administrator in the office in the mornings on 01392 427200.