© 2006 Raphael Steiner School

The Lower School
Children enter the lower school in their seventh year. The formal learning of reading, writing and arithmetic will now begin. The transition to this stage of their school lives is guided by the class teacher, who will stay with the same class throughout the lower school. A close relationship is built up between the children, the teacher and parents. At present we have two classes (Class 1 and Class 3-4) and plan to achieve the full 8 classes as the school grows.

The Main Lesson
Each day begins with a Main Lesson, which lasts nearly two hours. The class will study a single subject using activities such as writing, singing, movement, poetry, games, plays, painting, modelling and rhythmic clapping. This approach involves the child's whole being and will encourage a deep understanding of the subject.

Specialist Teachers
Specialist teachers in languages, music, sciences and crafts will work with the class but the class teacher will remain central to all aspects of class life.

How We Teach
As in the kindergarten, the topics covered in the Main Lesson and with subject specialists are tailored to the developmental stage of the children. An early emphasis on competitive academic achievement is avoided in order to retain a sense of wonder at the world about us and an enthusiasm and excitement for the process of learning. The children are at the centre of the school and are encouraged with love, respect and an appreciation of each child's special talents which he or she brings to the world.