The curriculum is always rewritten
The curriculum is an instrument, which can be oriented to the emotional, spiritual and activity-inclined abilities and needs of the students.
Regardless of the differences between individual schools, the central focus of the work is always on the whole picture of the development of the child. The concentration is on specific stages and the child’s environment.
Waldorf Schools have been using their own curriculum for over 70 years. Curriculum development is an essential part of the development of the schools. Indications for the curriculum are given simply as examples. The curriculum is a framework within which the lessons are formed in a creative way, for every situation. This can be found for example, in a vivacious foreign language lesson.
From the first grade on, two foreign languages are taught. The focus in not on which language is useful, rather how languages complement each other. It is also important for the children to lean about other people’s lifestyles and cultures through studying foreign languages. By doing so, the world and it’s communities become richer and more diverse for the children.
The foreign language written curriculum is therefore consciously kept very short. All of the vivid images develop out of the actual lesson, as it’s happening.
In the first three years, the lessons are given only orally. Little scenes, songs and dialogues are practiced. In 4th grade, writing and reading are taught as well as age appropriate grammar. From 5th to 8th grade, the focus in on the life styles, geography and history of the foreign countries. The children continue to practice short or long dramatic scenes and to memorize poems. From 9th to 12th grade, the students study the works of famous writers and philosophers.
The international connection between schools makes it possible for students to do internships aboard. A 10th grader, for example, can do his/her farming internship in an area where French is spoken or a 12th grader could do his/her social practicum in Ireland. Thus the ideal of the education-- having the students become world citizens--becomes a living experience.
Jean-Marc Petit
Translated by Leila Allen