INTRODUCTION
The rapid expansion in the number and size of
Waldorf
schools, together with a society that is becoming ever more influenced by
technology, is creating an urgent need for teachers trained in science. To
meet this need, the Science Teacher Training Course began in 1986 at
Wynstones. It is a year long full time course - the only one in the
English-speaking world.
The course is built around the question:
"How do we meet
today's adolescents with a meaningful science curriculum based on spiritual
science?" Such a question is a real challenge to those trained in a
natural scientific discipline.
While the focus is on teaching, the course has
a number of
clear aims: to provide the opportunity to re-orientate and re-evaluate the
experiences of science in our own education; to confront the methodology of
contemporary science and its hidden values; to re-awaken artistic
capacities; to nurture the essentials of a Goethean holistic approach; to
study curriculum material and develop teaching skills.
COURSE CONTENT
ANTHROPOSOPHY
At least a year's study of anthroposophy is
assumed and
familiarity with key ideas and basic texts such as 'Occult Science'.
Clarification of the basis of Waldorf Education and of Goethean Science is
through a selection of Rudolf Steiner's books, studied in whole or part.
SCIENCE COURSES AND SEMINARS
These cultivate a new approach to science,
enlivened through anthroposophy. Seminar topics on contemporary scientific
issues (e.g. in genetics and astronomy) provide the opportunity to evaluate
current scientific models, the qualities of a living thinking and how best
to handle modern pupils' questions in the classroom. One aim is to become
conscious of the ruling and restricting scientific paradigms that western
culture hardly questions.
An approach to phenomena in a holistic way
requires both
the study of a new methodology and practical experience. Through
experiments and observations, the essentials for a Goethean/participative
science can be explored. Rudolf Steiner gave three scientific lecture
courses to specialised audiences. They are a rich and fertile ground for
considering fundamentally new insights into the natures of light, heat,
astronomy, embryology and mathematics. They are recommended reading and, in
whole or part, make a continuous study during the year.
During the year, a number of guest contributors
share their
lines of research and enquiry into Goethean science.
CURRICULUM STUDY
The main lesson curriculum of Classes/Grades 9
to 12 is
considered in enough detail to illustrate the relationship between content,
method of teaching and developmental age. While the needs of the group will
influence the emphasis, every science as well as mathematics and projective
geometry is represented. Practical work relevant for science classes can be
explored in the laboratories at Wynstones School.
An overview of the development of the sciennces
in the
class teacher years is also essential to understand the different approach
of the Class Teacher and the metamorphosis of development which ripens into
the thinking of the adolescent, out of this earlier consciousness.
ARTISTIC COURSES
Year long, weekly sessions in painting, clay
modelling,
speech, drama and eurythmy, explore the themes within a living approach to
science and the teaching of adolescents. It is vital for a teacher to find
regular nourishment from at least one artistic activity, so this is also
the chance to explore which one could be taken up for the future.
TEACHING PRACTICE
Six weeks of the year are spent in schools for
classroom
observation and teaching practice appropriate to each trainee's background
and experience. During the rest of the year, Wynstones upper school
assemblies, festivals and observation lessons keep the course in touch with
adolescents. There is also a weekly opportunity for participants to
prepare topics for presentation to the group, related to a particular class
or theme. This proves to be a valuable learning experience for both
'teacher' and 'pupils'.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The course runs from early September to late
June following
the pattern of the UK school terms. It may be possible for those from the
Southern Hemisphere to come for the first term followed by teaching
practice and supplementary work in their own countries.
There is a good selection of accommodation in
the area and
while participants must be reponsible for their own accommodation, every
advice and support will be given.
The administrations of the Science Course and
Wynstones
School are independent, so those with families intending to enrol their
children at Wynstones should contact the school at the same time as
applying to the course, to ensure that there are places available.
APPLICATIONS
If you are in a position to consider teaching
science to adolescents, have some formal training in a scientific
discipline and have already made some study of anthroposophy, we would be
very pleased to hear from you.
For further information, current fees and an
application form, please write to:
Graham Kennish
Science Teacher
Training Course
Wynstones
Whaddon Green
Gloucester GL4 OUF (UK)
Tel: 44(0)1452 522475
Fax: 44(0)1452 525667