Pre-School Program (3-7 yrs)
The Kindergarten area forms a circular shape that radiates a warm and a homely atmosphere. Children are split into small divisions according to ages, and each division operates with an individual teacher accompanied by an assistant, often a student trainee.
Children follow a rhythmic routine of activities and individualized intervention programs including therapies that develop their physical and emotional wellbeing. These activities enhance their fine and gross motor abilities and build their communication and self-confidence skills. This in-depth curative motion provides a rich learning therapy on both the social and the emotional backgrounds.
Academic School Program (7-15 yrs)
The academic journey at Steiner Schools starts after kindergarten. At Lower School, class teachers accompany their students from age 6 until they turn 18. The academic section implements the Waldorf teaching using a curriculum that mainly covers problem solving, creative thoughts and activities, individual study and collaborative learning. Students are triggered to learn and to socially interact through artistic activities using their strong touch with nature. Knowledge grows in a predictable and rhythmical manner, mainly during lessons, individualized work, arts and crafts.
Throughout the year, students participate in the festival life, attend museums’ trips, ecological outings, and various plays. For the sport lovers, some of them become members of Special Olympic such as basketball, swimming & football teams.
Pre-Vocational Program (18 +)
14 to 18 years old students diverging from grade nine through twelve, follow on daily basis a unique prevocational program designed to develop functional knowledge and skills, ought to enhance their social development for a meaningful practical performance.
Whether working individually or in small groups, students rotate through various pre-vocational workshops including the household activities to learn gardening and distilling, basketry, pottery and mosaics.
Students with special needs are distinguished and more in particular are perceived as creative individuals with unique needs. They are taught with the concept of nature from which skills are applied at every aspect in their lives. In the pre-vocational curriculum, arts and learning intertwine in an effective manner to help the students acquire knowledge and understanding through practice and imagination… Students participate in a variety of workshops based on their ability, creativity and skills.
The vocational program is designed for the age of 18 years old and above, and aims to facilitate the transition from regular specialized education to future adult placement. The vocational program is open to all students at the school and is also available as a transitional course for other young individuals with special needs. The courses are adapted to meet each pupil’s potentials seeking at building and extending the skills required for adult placement.
The program extends over 3-4 years’ period during which, 8 craft-workshops are completed. The students are given the opportunity to move from one workshop to another and are encouraged to develop numeracy, literacy, communication, as well as fine and gross motor skills. It enhances the students’ awareness and develops their self-worth and their identity.
Through engagement with the vocational curriculum that involves practical craft, students take part in individual programs designed specially to enable them to reach their maximum potential through working in small groups. In the first and second years, the program develops clear thinking, emotional awareness as well as practical and academic skills. In the third year, the focus shifts to a vocational pathway, work experience and job-readiness related skills.
The working group program gives the opportunity to the graduating students (those who have completed the vocational program) to have clear tasks and responsibilities and to learn how to become productive. In the working group, each member receives a working contract and pocket money as incentive. All adults with special needs attend regular weekly meetings with their coordinators to follow-up on their joint job performances. While some of the adults join external integrated working places, others remain within our community’s supported environment.
An in house residential program is available for students progressing into adulthood independent life style. The residential program aims to support our special needs and to create a spirit of community where values of sharing and helping offer a model for the whole society. The integration into the community with equalized human rights grants a therapeutic healing with a life full of accomplishment and meaning.
