The Steiner / Waldorf Approach to Education: A Comparison with Youth Work

Harrison Ford, Kenneth Chenault, Winslow Eliot, Rupert Murdoch, and Ferdinand Alexander Porsche. What do they have in common? They all attended a Steiner school (also known as Waldorf schools). Steiner/ Waldorf schools are well known for their alternative approach to education and there are over one thousand of the schools worldwide. But what does this have to do with youth work?

Both youth work and the Steiner/ Waldorf approach are alternative forms of education for children and young people. Key to both youth work and the Steiner / Waldorf approach is their commitment to the holistic development of young people. However, there are some key differences between the two.

In this post, I will explain the history and key principles behind Steiner / Waldorf schools and draw a comparison between the Steiner / Waldorf approach and youth work.

Rudolf Steiner and his Waldorf Astoria school: an overview

• Rudolf Steiner was an Austrian philosopher, educator, and artist who founded the Waldorf education movement in 1919.
• The first Waldorf school was founded in Stuttgart, Germany, for the children of the workers at the Waldorf-Astoria cigarette factory.
• Waldorf education is based on the belief that the child is a whole being, with physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual needs.
• The curriculum in Waldorf schools is designed to meet all of these needs through a holistic education that includes both academic and artistic subjects.
• Waldorf schools emphasize the importance of nature, rhythm, and repetition in learning.
• There are now over 1,200 Waldorf schools in over 60 countries.

About Rudolf Steiner

Rudolf Steiner was an Austrian philosopher, educator, artist, and esotericist. He is best known as the founder of anthroposophy, a spiritual movement that emphasizes the importance of inner development and the connection between the human being and the world.

Steiner was born in Kraljevec, Austria-Hungary (now Croatia) in 1861. He studied philosophy, history, and natural science at the University of Vienna. After graduating, he worked as a literary critic and editor. In 1891, he was awarded a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Rostock.

In 1894, Steiner began to lecture on philosophy and spiritualism. He soon attracted a following, and in 1913 he founded the Anthroposophical Society. The society’s goal is to promote anthroposophy and its applications in education, medicine, agriculture, and other fields.

Steiner was a prolific writer and lecturer. He published over 300 books and pamphlets, and gave thousands of lectures. His work has been translated into many languages and is still studied by people all over the world.

Steiner died in Dornach, Switzerland in 1925. He is considered one of the most important figures in the history of anthroposophy. His work has had a profound impact on many people, and his ideas continue to be influential today.

Rudolf Steiner and the first Steiner / Waldorf schools

The founding of the first Steiner/ Waldorf school was a significant event in the history of education. It marked the beginning of a new approach to education that is based on the principles of anthroposophy. Steiner / Waldorf schools have been praised for their holistic approach to education, their emphasis on the arts, and their focus on the development of the whole child.

In 1919, Emil Molt, the director of the Waldorf-Astoria cigarette factory in Stuttgart, Germany, asked Rudolf Steiner to establish a school for the children of his workers. Steiner agreed, and the first Steiner / Waldorf school opened its doors in September of that year.

The school was based on Steiner’s philosophy of anthroposophy, which emphasizes the importance of the whole child, the role of imagination in learning, and the connection between the human being and the world. The curriculum included both academic and artistic subjects, and the teachers were trained in anthroposophy.

Key events that led to the founding of the first Steiner / Waldorf school:

• 1919: Emil Molt asks Rudolf Steiner to found a school for the children of his workers.
• September 1919: The first Steiner / Waldorf school opens its doors in Stuttgart, Germany.
• 1920: The first Steiner / Waldorf school outside of Germany is founded in London, England.
• 1925: Rudolf Steiner dies in Dornach, Switzerland.
• 1933: The Nazis close all Steiner / Waldorf schools in Germany.
• 1945: Steiner / Waldorf schools begin to reopen in Germany.

What is the Steiner / Waldorf approach?

The Steiner / Waldorf school movement is a global movement that is based on the philosophy of anthroposophy. There are over 1,200 Steiner / Waldorf schools in over 60 countries. The popularity of Steiner / Waldorf schools is increasing, especially in the United States and Europe.

Steiner / Waldorf schools are known for their holistic approach to education, which emphasizes the development of the whole child. The curriculum includes both academic and artistic subjects, and the teachers are trained in anthroposophy. Steiner / Waldorf schools also place a strong emphasis on the arts, nature, and community.

Key features of the Steiner / Waldorf school movement:

• Holistic approach to education: Steiner / Waldorf schools emphasize the development of the whole child, including the physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual aspects.
• Emphasis on the arts: Steiner / Waldorf schools place a strong emphasis on the arts, believing that they are essential for a well-rounded education.
• Rhythm and repetition: The Steiner / Waldorf curriculum is structured around a rhythm of learning that includes periods of activity and rest, as well as repetition of concepts and skills.
• Nature: Steiner / Waldorf schools emphasize the importance of nature, and students spend a lot of time outdoors, learning about the natural world and connecting with the rhythms of the seasons.
• Community: Steiner / Waldorf schools are strong communities, and students, teachers, and parents are all involved in the life of the school.

What is youth work?

Youth work refers to a broad range of intentional activities and interventions that are carried out by trained professionals or volunteers. The activities offer an informal education to support young people’s personal, social, and educational development, often including skills not taught in the classroom. Effective youth work involves creating safe spaces where young individuals can voluntarily participate, learn, and grow in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Key events in the history of youth work:

• 1844: The Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) is founded in London.
• 1855: The Young Women’s Christian Association is founded in London.
• 1883: The Girls’ Friendly Society is founded.
• 1907: The Boy Scouts are founded by Robert Baden-Powell.
• 1908: The Girl Guides are founded by Robert Baden-Powell and his sister, Agnes Baden-Powell.
• 1944: The Education Act makes it a legal requirement for local authorities to provide youth work services.
• 1960: The Albemarle Report on Youth Service in England and Wales is published, which sets out a blueprint for the future of youth work in the UK.
• 1964: The National Youth Agency (NYA) is founded. It was originally known as the information centre for youth services at the National College for the Training of Youth Leaders in Leicester and then the National Youth Bureau.
• 1999: The Every Child Matters policy is introduced, which places a strong emphasis on the importance of youth work.
• 2005: The Youth Matters Green Paper is published, which sets out a new vision for youth work in the England.

What are the aims and goals of youth work?

• Personal Development: Youth work aims to foster personal growth by helping young people develop self-confidence, self-esteem, and resilience. Through various activities and programs, youth workers encourage self-expression, individuality, and a sense of identity, empowering young individuals to navigate life challenges effectively.
• Social Development: Youth work focuses on enhancing social skills, promoting positive relationships, and encouraging active citizenship among young people. It aims to build a sense of community and belonging, fostering empathy, teamwork, and respect for diversity. By engaging in group activities and community initiatives, young individuals learn to communicate, cooperate, and contribute positively to society.
• Education and Learning: Youth work recognizes the importance of education beyond formal schooling. It aims to provide informal and non-formal learning opportunities that supplement young people’s academic knowledge. These activities might include workshops, vocational training, mentoring, or skill-building programs that equip young individuals with practical life skills, boosting their employability and overall development.
• Health and Well-being: Youth work prioritizes the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of young people. It aims to promote healthy lifestyles, tackle issues such as substance abuse, mental health challenges, and risky behaviours.

Youth Work and Steiner / Waldorf schools: how do they differ?

As you can see, there are some key differences between youth work and the Steiner / Waldorf approach. Youth work is typically more focused on providing young people with opportunities to develop their skills and knowledge, while Steiner / Waldorf schools are typically more focused on providing young people with a holistic education that includes both academic and artistic subjects. Youth work typically takes place in non-formal educational settings, such as community centres or youth clubs, while the Steiner / Waldorf approach is typically delivered in schools. The curriculum in youth work is typically more flexible and responsive to the needs of the young people involved, while the curriculum in the Steiner / Waldorf approach is more structured and follows a set pattern.

The bottom line

Ultimately, the best approach for a particular young person will depend on their individual needs and interests. However, both youth work and the Steiner / Waldorf approach can provide young people with valuable opportunities for growth and development. There is no reason why a young person can’t participate in both movements!

Tell us your thoughts

Had you heard of Steiner / Waldorf schools before? Do you have experience of the Steiner / Waldorf movement? What similarities and differences have you notices between youth work and Steiner / Waldorf approaches to supporting young people?