The Kindergarten provides a marvelous entry to the world of learning for any child from the age of three and a half onward. However the school has a very successful track record of integrating children from a variety of different backgrounds and nationalities right up to sixth class.

Increasing research evidence is supportive of the Steiner approach on the delaying of formal academic learning until the seventh year. Last year’s Cambridge report in the UK argued this precise point, and wider European and International educational research also corroborates this.

Also, state schools in countries such as Finland, which consistently ranks in the top three for child literacy and mathematical skills, adopt a similar approach to the introduction of formal learning.

Steiner education is an integrative approach drawing on the creative reservoir that lies deep inside every child. The connection between teacher and child is nurtured and the respect for each individual child is reflected in the respect for the teacher. The acknowledgment of the importance of integrating academic learning with creativity in all its mediums is reflected in the holistic way in which the children learn and in the way in which they retain information and feed it back in a completely individual way. In Steiner Secondary Schools students are actively involved in all aspects of their education – as well as using their mental capacity (Head), they are also using their creative capacity (Hands), and personal/social capacity (Heart).

The Steiner Waldorf approach believes in appealing to the whole child, not just their intellect, so all our subjects are taught with a focus on the head, heart and hands. For example, by creating beautiful, hand-drawn maps the children learn about the geography of
Ireland and the world. Through intricate Celtic form drawings they learn about principles of geometry. Music, art and crafts also play a large part in the children’s daily rhythm in the school, imparting important life skills in the process. From kindergarten onward they also learn by being outdoors in the fields and woods, or the poly-tunnel, where they grow their own fruit and vegetables.

In Steiner Waldorf schools, homework is set in a structured way, including weekly spelling and grammar tests for older children. We believe that after a long period of concentration in school, the majority of time afterwards should be for children to be children and play.

Also, there is increasing doubt in Ireland and elsewhere about the actual value of the comparatively large amount of homework currently given to many primary school children, with many being of the view that effective teaching far outweighs any value of homework.

As a non-denominational school, the School welcomes children of all faiths and none. While Steiner Waldorf education has a broadly Christian ethos, the curriculum focuses on developing a child’s sense of ethics and morality, rather than any particular religious tradition.

For those who choose to complete their educational journey with Kildare Steiner School at the end of Class 6, their time here will have prepared them well for the challenges of second level education. The confidence instilled in children as they experience the Steiner approach appears to stand them in good stead when they make the transition to the next level. 

Secondary school teachers have consistently commented that children educated in the Steiner philosophy are independent learners who have developed their natural love of discovery and exploration.

The creativity we are concerned with is not about being really artistic or musical or “crafty” – it is the creativity that develops when a child is given the space and opportunity to come up with their own ideas about something, discussing/negotiating the possibilities, being involved in the solution, trying things out for themselves, researching and sharing ideas. In Steiner Secondary School the students are not expected to just listen and take on board all that the teacher tells them, they are allowed to question ideas and actually experience the new learning by seeing it in action as opposed to taking it for granted from having read it in a book. When the student can see, touch, feel the idea they know it forever.

In Steiner Secondary Schools, Class 7,8 and 9 are equivalent to 1st, 2nd and 3rd year in mainstream schools. Whilst subjects relating to the Junior Certificate are taught, the emphasis is on the development of the student as a whole person rather than teaching subjects for an exam. In Ireland, it is not a legal requirement to sit the Junior Certificate exam, nor is it necessary in order to progress to a Senior Cycle of Leaving Certificate.

As Kildare Steiner Secondary School is a new initiative it is proposed that the school years will initially cover Class 7, 8 and 9. Until the school evolves towards Class 10, 11 and 12 (equivalent to Transition Year, 5th and 6th Year) students will progress from the school after Class 9, to continue with their Secondary education or other alternative choices they make at this stage.

Children from all educational backgrounds can attend our Secondary School regardless of what school they previously attended or what form of education they received e.g. home schooling, mainstream, Steiner etc.

Our teachers are experts in supporting mainstream students to settle and adapt to a new way of learning. As Steiner Education is completely ‘child centered’ the individual needs of each new child are met. The school offers a trial period of two weeks for a young person to try out this method, which may feel quite different to them. Following this the Class Guardian will meet with the child and their parents to discuss and think through next steps for enrolment.

No, your interest in the approach is enough. As a member of the school community you will have ample opportunity to observe and to learn from the teachers and other parents.

Kildare Steiner Waldorf School is an independent private school which receives no Government funding and is thus dependent on fees and fundraising to cover its running costs. However, in contrast to other state-funded or private schools, there are no ‘voluntary  contributions’ or uniform costs and text books and materials are provided by the school.

For children attending the Kindergarten, funding is available under the Early Childhood Care and Education Scheme (ECCE). The current fee structure is under review – for more information please contact the school.

Yes, Parent-Teacher evenings take place once a term. At these meetings all the parents from the class meet with the teacher who discusses what learning has taken place. Teachers also meet parents on a one-to-one basis as the need arises. School reports are presented to parents and students at the end of the year. It is a rich and rounded report, documenting all aspects of the young person’s education for the year.