Parents and community members were invited to attend a special presentation hosted by The Alpine School last Thursday featuring the CEO of Steiner Education Australia.

The address and Q and A session by Andrew Hill provided an insightful and open discussion on all things Steiner education, including ‘mythbusting’.

Mr Hill was a university academic in Anthropology before becoming a school teacher. He was a founding teacher of the Newcastle Waldorf School and Head of School at Glenaeon Steiner school in Sydney.

He has wide experience in teacher training and leadership, presenting at numerous conferences and courses in Australia and South-east Asia.

“The talk by Andrew presented the community with an opportunity to ask questions about different aspects of Steiner education,” The Alpine School education manager, Eric Hopf, said.

“I often talk about these things too of course but it’s wonderful to have Andrew here who has a lot of experience in Steiner education.

“On Wednesday, 28 January a pupil free day, Andrew spoke to our early childhood teachers and then to our primary school and high school staff, our leadership team as well as staff as a whole. So, we are very lucky to have had the opportunity to be able to explore ways in which we can continuously learn and improve what is happening in our school."

Mr Hopf said there are a number new students in the school this year in a range of classes.

“This year is our first year we are running a complete school - we have playgroup all the way through to Year 12, which is the first time we have had Year 12 students. It’s very exciting for our school,” he said. Steiner Education Australia is the peak body representing the 52 Steiner schools across Australia.

“We have a curriculum, the Australian Steiner Curriculum Framework, which is recognised by ACARA, the Australian government education authority, as an alternative curriculum equivalent to the Australian curriculum,” Mr Hill said.

“Each of our schools work with this Australian Steiner Curriculum Framework. They are registered with their local authorities and deliver all the standard subjects offered in the mainstream system plus a range of different activities and an academic program unique to Steiner.

“It’s a very character-based education - we’re very strong on outdoor education program, it really builds resilience in the students.”