Introduction

The recent proliferation of Waldorf schools in Australia and their ‘unique’ curriculum (based on the works of Rudolf Steiner) has necessitated a brief, critical review on what a Steiner based education means to the uninformed parent or educator. An analysis of Steiner based information (available from all Waldorf schools here in Australia) promotes their schooling as “… a balance of academic, artistic and practical activities so that the child is thoroughly prepared for life”. Similarly, Waldorf schooling is seen as a way that is responsive to the developmental phases of childhood and the nurturing of the child’s imagination in a school environment. However, to fully understand the foundation and pedagogy of all Waldorf schooling (and how it may affect children), we must examine the beliefs and philosophies of its creator, Rudolf Steiner. It is only then that we will be more able to begin to understand the purpose of all Steiner based schools, such as Waldorf.

This information is primarily aimed at educating the wide range of parents and educators who are awfully unfamiliar with Rudolf Steiner, Waldorf schooling and Anthroposophy. Although some of this information is primarily US based, it is clear on examining Australian Waldorf schools that the curriculum and foundation is similar, if not identical. Specifically, it has been argued that Waldorf schools are predominantly a missionary arm for Anthroposophy. As a result, this information is also clearly aimed as being a foundation for educating parents on the anthroposophical nature of all Waldorf schools, enabling them to better understand the choices they will make about their children’s education. Similarly, it is hoped this report will encourage parents and educators to do their own careful research on what Steiner based schooling is really all about.

Much of the information here is also particularly relevant to and aimed at Christian based families. Because many Anthroposophists claimed Steiner was a Christian (including himself), it is important to understand his background, beliefs and works in relation to Christian theology. A section on understanding Christianity and the “New Age” specifically attempts to briefly examine this. The majority of the articles contained in this report are compiled to form the basis for critical discussion between parents and those concerned with the veiled esoteric nature of Steiner based schools in Australia. These articles have been chosen because they are relevant, thorough, and based directly on Steiner’s own words, lectures and beliefs, coupled with people’s personal experiences. Similarly, the information contained here is by no means exhaustive.