Living and Learning with the Local Resources of Nature

Invite to sign up for 2008/2009
Applications still welcome

Hosted by Ringwood Waldorf School – Hampshire

Starting November 2008 & concluding June 2009


Practical work provides many opportunities for cross-curricular learning as well as staff development. This course has been designed to support both areas in ways that promote resourcefulness in the context of a school’s grounds and landscape.

Start date: 1. 21st – 23rd November 2008 - From Fleece to Felt
2. 16th – 18th January 2009 - From Skin to Leather
3. 13th – 15th February - Hedgerow Basketry
4. 20th - 22nd March - Greenwood work
5. 22nd – 24th May - Clay work
Conclusion: 6. 19th – 21st June - Pit Forge

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 £1350. A deposit of £200 along with the PSTDC application secures a place. Application forms can be obtained from SWSF website : www.steinerwaldorf.org.uk - or by clicking the application form on the left.

The £1350 will include all course expenses, materials, food & accommodation.

In order to start a new course November 2008 I would need to receive applications by end of Sept 2008 latest

If you require more information and application form, please write or email to: Bernard Graves. Pyrites. Mayfield, 11 Bisley Road Stroud. Glos. GL5 1HE
Email: Bernard@pyrites.org
Tel: 01453 767208


The course is aimed at all teachers and craft tutors wishing to bring new elements of practical ‘experiential learning’ to their work.

AIMS:

- To offer an opportunity for re-development and re-deployment of skills already acquired

- To offer skills training in practical work including areas of handwork and traditional crafts

- To show how craft gesture as an example of refined movement supports the development and education of the child and young person

- To demonstrate when and how experience can become effective learning to provide a new context for understanding the school’s grounds and their 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


Picture 3


The course is delivered at various locations in the Stroud area, over 7 intensive weekends spread through the school year. It is accredited through the Open College Network, at level 3. Time must be allowed for assignment work throughout the course and for the various projects that can be carried out at school.

The programme can be modified to suit the needs of individual orginisions; for instance therapeutic or Special Educational Needs providers.

- The main objectives of the course are for a participant to
- Demonstrate competency in areas of practical education
- Have a general knowledge of materials and practical skills related to school curricula
- Show how an activity can be sustainably developed in a specific locality
- Carry out a practical project with a group of children

Workshops and Themes

1) NOVEMBER 21st – 23rd

Practical: Felting: From raw wool to dying to Felting: Frances Graves
Friday: Practical & Introductions, Course Induction & expectations of
participants.
Saturday: Theme: Education of the Senses out of the Environment. The hand as conveyor of experience & learning.
Sunday: Review of w/k with focus on Animal world. Induction to Log books & recording practical work. Setting home work on ‘The Hand’


2) JANUARY 16thTH – 18th

Practical: From Skin to Leather: John Hagger
Friday: Contributions on the Hand
Saturday: Theme: Movement Learning (Will Developed Intelligence)
Sunday: Review with focus on Animal world and experience. Cross-curricular opportunities.


3) FEBRUARY 13th – 15th

Practical: Hedgerow & Willow Basketry: Bernard Graves
Friday : Review Log book/recoding of practical work. Building a Picture of ‘A Descent Into Matter’.
Saturday: Theme: The Temperaments & Craft
Sunday : Review with focus on The Plant kingdom. Introduction to unit ’Adolescence a Descent Into matter’ Research Project.


4) MARCH 20th – 22nd

Practical: Practical: Friday: Green wood work: Axel keim
Friday: Suggestions for assignment/s Research & Practical ie The hand as conveyor of experience & learning.
Saturday: Theme: Adolescents a Descent Into Matter- human development or Helpers in work
Sunday: Review of w/k with focus on The Plant Kingdom and cross-curricular opportunities.


5) MAY 22nd – 24th May

Clay work & Kiln building: Sam Makumba
Individual presentations of ideas & progress with craft related research
Assignment/s, Research & Practical ie The hand as conveyor of experience & learning.
Saturday: Theme: The Craft Gesture
Sunday: Review of w/k. Individual presentations of ideas & progress with craft related research. Set homework to next session’s theme.


6) JUNE 19th – 21st

Practical: IRON AGE PIT FORGE & BLACKSMITHING: Arian Leljak
Friday: Individual presentations to: How does Craftwork activity influence a Human being
Saturday: Theme: Craft & The Life Processes
Sunday: Review of w/k with focus on The Mineral Kingdom.

NB. Weekend themes for Friday night discussion & Lecture on Sat evenings may evolve during the Course, please make suggestions, as the course is to serve your requirements and personal needs.