North of England Camphill Craft Circle
Practical Skills Tutor Development Course (PSTDC)
Living and Learning with Nature.
Invite to sign up for
2008/2009
Applications still welcome
Dear Colleagues,
Following the conclusion of the first successful run of The
Camphill Craft Circle - Practical Skills Tutor Development
Course (PSTDC) I am writing to convey some feed back from
participants and invite you to consider supporting Craft
tutors in your centre to join the next course run, starting
early 2009.
Participants Comments
‘The last year and a bit has been invaluable to the
participants of the Camphill Craft Circle. We started on a
journey in the summer of 05 and finished end of October
this year (06), working through 6 craft disciplines having
the senses well and truly massaged in the process. The
Craft Gestures , Life Processes and a sprinkling of the
Anthroposphical background themes relevant to the craft we
were studying, helped us all to deepen our understanding
and inspire us to greater and more ambitious projects. The
sharing of knowledge and experiences of each others
particular craft, helped us to understand that we are not
working alone, with the challenges that come with our
special students ...... ‘ Bob
‘ Descending into Matter was amazing and a physical
delight. We experienced and learnt about the rawness and
beauty of ancient methods; basic materials; exploring our
own senses in reaction to the hardness or softness of the
materials wrought from the very origins of earth or animal,
from skinning to sandals, the twisting swirls of iron,
looking at pigments, pig iron fluxes, fire and feelings
changing as the chemicals reveal their alchemic power. Six
weekend opportunities supported by Bernard’s
informative and fascinating seminars, wholesome food, new
friends, laughter and frustrations as we strained to
experience and resolve our making and transformation
through the Craft Gestures….’ Janet
‘I found the course inspiring, energizing and
enlightening. I loved the range of activities and the
different qualities brought by each tutor, and felt a
renewed appreciation of human creativity…..’
Michael
Aims
• To offer an opportunity for re-development and re-deployment of skills already acquired.
• To offer skills training in practical work and traditional crafts.
• To show how craft gesture as an example of refined movement and practical skills supports the development and education of the child and young person. The Craft Gestures.
• To demonstrate when and how experience can become effective learning.
For those working with Young people in Schools & Training Centers
• To provide a new context for understanding the environment, land and its use in developing a ‘practical skills’ curriculum relevant to the existing handwork/craft and related science and art domains with special reference to Steiner Waldorf education.
• To offer opportunities for curriculum development and the creation of an Outdoor Craft Centre.
For those working with adults in a Village context
• To offer an understanding for Craft as vocation and an experiential approach to understanding the potential therapeutic value of different crafts.
This Practical skills Practical Course provides many opportunities for cross-curricular learning as well as providing a staff development opportunity. This course has been designed to support both areas in ways that promote resourcefulness in the context of a Community’s grounds and landscape.
This Craft course, involves 6 practical craft activity, Fleece to Felt, Skin to Leather, Willows to Baskets, Green woodwork, Pit forge and Blacksmithing, From Clay to pots and building a Paper Slip kiln providing an experience of a ‘Descent into Matter’; working with materials from the Three Kingdoms of Nature.
As a practicing Craft person, an experience of different materials and their incumbent processes can lead to greater insights into ones own craft activity.
Wrapped around each of the weekend’s practical work are seminars, which assist with ‘reflection’ and ‘Understanding’ of personal experiences and the value of Crafts in support of human development. Lecture contributions will introduce fundamental aspects of the Study of Man arising out of Anthroposophy.
Participants will receive all the necessary OCN forms and course brief at the first meeting.
VENUE
The Pennine Community –Wakefield, have kindly offered to host a second course run providing accommodation and meals for the weekend.
The Practical Skills Course requires 6 weekends spread throughout the year with the programme starting late Friday afternoon and finishing Sunday lunchtime. The following months are likely to be the ones chosen, Jan & Feb, March & April, Sept & Oct 2009.
Due to the practical nature of the PSTDC participants have to be limited to a max of 12 persons and will be decided on a first come first serve basis.
COST
The Course will cost £1250. A deposit of £200 secures the place. The £1250 will include all course expenses, materials food & accommodation.
In order to start a new course in Jan 2009 I would need to receive applications by the end of Nov 2008.
If interested please fill in the online application or you can download the brochure with attached application or contact Bernard Graves for more information.
On receiving a deposit or note of interest participants will receive full programme details. Please return application form/s to Bernard Graves.
With kind regards
Bernard Graves (for the Camphill Craft Circle)