Advanced Diploma of Rudolf Steiner Education (Course code 69801 CRICOS code 071548J)
VET FEE-Help is available for this course
This is a full-time course of study which equips students with a comprehensive grounding in anthroposophy, and in the theory and practice of Steiner Education
The course also provides a rich experience for students seeking to develop themselves in accordance with their deepest nature and to find their true path in life.
Over the course of the year the students are involved in a broad range of studies which are theoretical, practical and artistic, described in brief below.
In a Steiner curriculum, painting, drawing and modelling, music, drama and movement are not only stand alone subjects, they are fully integrated across almost every area of the curriculum. For example, numeracy, literacy, geography, history etc.
In the first year, students take a series of foundation modules in the themes of humanities, sciences and arts.
The second year further develops the student’s knowledge and experience in teaching by studying child development, the Steiner curriculum, and undertaking practical placement in schools.
In order to obtain a Certificate you must successfully complete all the prescribed modules over the two years. Each module comprises a number of “learning outcomes”. The assessment is based upon a competency model; that is, you don’t receive a mark (eg, A, B, C) for your assignments but rather a ‘competent’ or ‘not yet competent’ on the basis of your performance. In order to successfully complete a module, you must be assessed as competent for every learning outcome.
The course consists of modules arranged according to the following themes:
FIRST YEAR
The first year of the course includes an assessable two week classroom “Observation visit” to a Steiner school, as part of one of the modules described below.
Foundations in the Humanities, comprising the following modules:
Develop knowledge and skills in human psychology.
Subunit 1: Understand and apply the picture of the human being as understood in Steiner Education.
Subunit 1 provides the foundation for the study of other course modules. The ability to observe and interpret individual ways of learning will be applied to the student’s own professional development, collegial relationships, curriculum development and work with children.
Subunit 2: Apply knowledge of biographical patterns and of the meaning of destiny to human development and learning.
Subunit 2 develops the capacity to understand and apply fundamental principles of human development throughout the different phases of life. Specific emphasis is placed on the three phases of the development of the child and their implications for the entire biography of an individual.
Develop knowledge and skills in Personal and Professional Development.
This module explores a teacher’s personal growth and development, and professional learning. It addresses how teachers assume responsibility for developing classroom work, and other roles in a school. It keeps teachers aligned with the phases of their own human development and healthy lifelong learning. It allows inspiration to continue to flow so that the work does not become stale.
Develop knowledge and skills in Educational Theory and Practice.
This module includes an assessable two week “Classroom Observation” placement in a Steiner school. It provides students with an introduction to school teaching. It aims to begin the process of integrating theoretical knowledge with practical ability.
Develop knowledge and skills in English.
Subunit 1: Develop knowledge of literature.
Subunit 1 provides an overview of the development of literature from ancient times to the present with an in depth study of the medieval Parzival romance which heralds modern consciousness.
Subunit 2: Develop imagination through creative writing.
Subunit 2 provides the opportunity to explore the faculty of imagination through creative writing in various genres related to the previous studies of literature. This subunit will support work in other modules through the development of writing skills.
Develop knowledge and skills in Human Society.
Subunit 1: Acquire knowledge in history and develop an understanding of the evolution of human consciousness, as expressed in different historical-cultural contexts.
Subunit 1 supports and develops the knowledge building skills, through group work and individual research, necessary for working with the curriculum for History and Social Studies in Steiner Education. This module is also key to understanding the developmental stages of consciousness of children in relation to general child development and age-specific interests.
Subunit 2: Acquire knowledge and skills in community building and working together.
Subunit 2 explores key concepts of working together which are essential to the structure of Steiner Schools and the co-working between teachers, parents and administration of a school.
It also provides knowledge and skills in community building through preparing and celebrating seasonal festivals.
Foundations in Science, comprising the following modules:
Develop knowledge and skills in mathematics, geometry or form drawing.
This module is a preparation for “Teach Mathematics” in the second year of the course. Form Drawing is freehand geometry, as the children draw straight and curved lines, patterns and shapes. It is also linked to the development of writing skills. Through working with symmetry exercises and transformation of inward moving to outward moving and straight to curved patterns, flexibility of thinking and imagination is developed. Working with form and movement patterns in nature forms a connection to the study of natural sciences. An artistic sense for balance, harmony and beauty is also developed.
Develop knowledge and skills in Science.
Subunit 1: Introduction to scientific thinking and research.
The module aims to establish an investigative mood. To encourage the legitimacy of questions rather than answers is an essential part of the preparation of students for teaching science anywhere, but especially in Steiner Education.
It provides the student with background knowledge in science, including current thought processes within the scientific community.
Subunit 2: Apply Science in the Environment
This module demonstrates how research in the area of science can be applied in environmentally sustainable gardening and farming, through Biodynamic Agricultural practices. It includes practical work.
Develop knowledge in health and nutrition.
This module assists in recognizing and addressing causes of learning and behavioural difficulties which can be attributed to poor health and nutrition. It is important for the life of a school that future teachers are informed regarding the effects of good nutrition on student learning.
Foundations in the Arts, comprising the following modules:
Develop artistic appreciation of form and colour through the visual arts.
In a Steiner curriculum, painting, drawing and modelling are not only stand alone subjects, they are fully integrated across almost every area of the curriculum. For example, numeracy, literacy, geography, history etc.
Subunit 1: Develop creativity and artistic appreciation of colour and form through painting and drawing.
The philosophy underlying Steiner Education deeply influences the approach to painting and drawing. The experiential process is more important than technique and the result. The module serves the personal creative enrichment of students in order to develop artistic ways of teaching children. It also develops artistic appreciation together with painting and drawing skills.
Subunit 2: Develop an artistic appreciation of form principles through creative explorations in sculpture.
In this module students will develop artistic discernment and abilities in sculpture. They will explore sculptural forms throughout the year. This method of experiential learning in sculpture will be part of the preparation for teaching through the arts as practiced in Steiner Education.
Develop creativity in the art of movement.
In a Steiner curriculum, movement is not only a stand alone subject, it is fully integrated across almost every area of the curriculum. For example, numeracy, literacy, geography, history etc.
Subunit 1: Develop creativity of expression and balance of movement through Eurythmy.
This module will assist students to grasp the main concepts of Steiner’s philosophy through practical exercises in movement. Experiences in Eurythmy help to establish a healthy relationship between the soul faculties of thinking, feeling and willing and their representation in the physical constitution.
This module assists students to develop inner balance and harmonious self expression through movement, qualities that are helpful for class teachers in Steiner Schools.
Subunit 2: Develop Spatial Awareness through Bothmer Gymnastics
Bothmer Gymnastics is form of gymnastics unique to Steiner Education. It aims to provide an experience of Bothmer Gymnastics, that develops a new awareness of ‘space’ which has surprising results for teaching children.
Express yourself creatively through speech and drama.
In a Steiner curriculum, speech and drama are not only stand alone subjects, they are fully integrated across almost every area of the curriculum. For example, numeracy, literacy, geography, history etc.
Teachers in Steiner Schools lead a class through daily morning speech, singing and movement activities. They also direct at least annual dramatic productions with their classes.
In this module students practice expressive and effective speech and body language. It helps students to develop effective ways of presenting poetry and directing class plays. It also includes staging a major play production in the first year of the course
Develop musical understanding and skills.
In a Steiner curriculum, music is not only a stand alone subject, it is fully integrated across almost every area of the curriculum. For example, numeracy, literacy, geography, history etc.
This module will introduce trainees to theory and practice of tonal awareness and voice training as derived from Rudolf Steiner’s indications.
This module also comprises the study of a range of works for singing and recorder in order to build up a repertoire for teaching the younger grades in Steiner Schools. It represents the basic level of musical training which is continued on a more advanced level in the second year of the Advanced Diploma of Steiner Education.
The ability to read music is not an element of competency in this module. Where students do not have this ability, extra support will be provided to acquire this skill.
Develop creativity and skills in handcraft and woodwork.
Through handcraft, students gain technical skills by creating forms and simple objects from wood and textiles, while developing an appreciation of the expression of the will in the human being.
Work Experience in Anthroposophical Fields
This is a ‘hands on’ experience offering the opportunity to expand the student’s awareness of Anthroposophy working in society, through visits to businesses, buildings and institutions that have arisen out of the field.
SECOND YEAR
The second year of the course includes two assessable classroom teaching rounds (“Practicum”), each of four weeks duration, in a Steiner school.
Professional studies, comprising the following modules:
Contribute to ethical educational management, administration and practice.
The knowledge and skills of this module may be applied to the role of the teacher who has responsibility for ethical teaching practice, administration and management of the school. The student is given an opportunity to develop skills in ethical and informed decision making. It also informs the student about government legislation and Occupational Health and Safety requirements, and how these are met through the development of policies and procedures.
Communicate and relate professionally.
In a Steiner Primary School the teacher remains with the one class from Class 1 through to Class 6 to 8. In this context, the teacher forms a long term relationship with the student and his/her family, and this relationship cultivates a unique and rich quality to the communication. This module explores informal collegial/parent discussions as well as formal interviews and meetings as professional communication. Additionally there is an ethos of individual contribution to the overall school pedagogical development by the whole collegiate and therefore classroom teachers will need a strong training in this field.
Reflect on Foundation studies.
This module considers a wide range of topics including the sciences, humanities, world history and evolution, development of human consciousness and cosmology to continue the life long quest for deeper reflection on our knowledge of the world.
The outcomes of this module may be applied to the teacher’s lesson preparation.
The module also deepens the understanding of childhood consciousness, learning and memory. Outcomes also enrich the lifelong professional development path.
Pedagogical studies, comprising the following modules:
Develop philosophy of education and pedagogical practice.
This module covers child development from birth to the end of adolescence. It also provides the framework for the practice of “child study”.
The principles, practices and curriculum of Steiner Education arise out of a deep view of the developing human being and the inner development of the teacher and as such these are a necessary background to curriculum development.
This module can be applied in any teaching context ( Steiner or non-Steiner). As a basis of the academic, research and philosophical underpinnings of Steiner Education this module is essential for class teachers, those involved in Educational Leadership, classroom assistants, mentors and specialist teachers.
Apply Pedagogical principles to Early Childhood and Kindergarten Teaching.
This module develops the principles and practice of child care or teaching at this age, beginning with a theoretical review of child development in the first seven years of life. It focuses on the daily and weekly timetable, the importance of creative play and immersion in nature, including the celebration of seasonal festivals.
Apply Pedagogical principles to High School.
This module explores how Steiner curriculum unfolds in the High School, bringing the whole of human history, the natural world and the cosmos to the young adult. It shows how the human being develops maturity and autonomy, discernment and strength of ideals.
Teach effectively and manage classrooms.
This module includes two assessable “Classroom Teaching” placements of four weeks each in a Steiner school. The module reviews organisation of the classroom and learning environment for effective teaching, the inner bearing, communication skills and engagement of the teacher as well as techniques for interaction that strengthen good behaviour and harmonise inappropriate behaviours. The professional experience in the classroom allows for observation of good practice and analysis of appropriate techniques as well as giving students an opportunity to trial techniques.
Teach students with special educational needs.
This module explores how a classroom teacher observes students for expressions of special needs, including gifted and talented. Based upon this assessment, the teacher initiates an early intervention plan, to stimulate the student to meet his or her potential. This may include modified teaching practices, program design, referral to support services within the schools and in the wider Australian health and education networks and monitoring of progress.
Program and assess curriculum.
This module includes two assessable “Classroom Teaching” placements of four weeks each in a Steiner school. The module reviews the rationales for different curriculum approaches, including: arts-based, integrated, and child-development based. The professional experience in the classroom allows for observation of good practice and analysis of appropriate techniques as well as giving students an opportunity to trial techniques.
It overviews the curriculum used in Steiner Waldorf schools from its child development base and as an example of an integrated and arts-based curriculum.
This module explores classroom teaching, curriculum design, development of assessment and reflective educational practice in teaching, leadership and curriculum support.
Apply artistic abilities to arts-integrated teaching.
The knowledge and skills of this module are essential for all types of teachers in Steiner Schools. The cultivation of inner artistry in a teacher is what enables him/her to perceive the unseen capacities for growth and development lying dormant in each child and to find ways of calling these capacities forth creatively.
The specific artistic skills developed in this module are designed to enable the student to communicate imaginatively, pictorially and creatively in writing, through the spoken word, through choral and instrumental music, and through gesture and personal presence. It provides the basis for transforming conceptual material into a holistic, living experience for children.
Curriculum studies, comprising the following modules:
Teach English literature and language skills.
Students will explore literary content from the earliest fairy tales and Celtic, Russian and Aboriginal legends to the Norse, Indian, Persian, Egyptian and Greek and Roman myths as well as the literature of the Middle Ages and Renaissance.
It integrates elements of Listening, Speaking, Handwriting, Reading, Spelling, Grammar, and Creative Writing.
Students are expected to continue to develop a wide knowledge of world literature throughout the module and to explore the archetypal pictures of human evolution within the stories to perceive their value and continued relevance today.
Teach mathematics.
This module describes the outcomes required to teach mathematics as a Class Teacher (Classes 1-8). The module builds on the study of the nature of the mathematical view of the world in the first year of the Advanced Diploma and reviews teaching methodologies. It covers the pedagogical background to the curriculum, and sequences of mathematics teaching. It also addresses arts-integrated, problem-based, concrete, experiential and narrative based teaching methods. It should be noted that Space and Geometry are covered separately in the module ‘Teach Form Drawing and Geometry’.
Teach form drawing and geometry.
Form Drawing is “freehand geometry”, as the children draw straight and curved lines, patterns and shapes. It is also linked to the development of writing skills. Through working with symmetry exercises and transformation of inward moving to outward moving and straight to curved patterns, flexibility of thinking and imagination is developed. Working with form and movement patterns in nature forms a connection to the study of natural sciences. An artistic sense for balance, harmony and beauty is also developed. Geometry is taught with a focus on practical work, by studying forms found in nature. Theoretical understanding is developed as well.
Teach science.
The module integrates knowledge and skills which are applied to curriculum design, and practical teaching and assessment methods.
The module allows students to reflect on their own understanding of learning and teaching in Science and Technology, based on reading of the literature and evaluation of curriculum approaches. It examines artistic, imaginative and phenomenological science lessons.
Teach technology- Handwork and woodwork.
In a Steiner curriculum “technology” is not limited to “information technology”, but rather is understood as the development of human applications that have addressed definite practical needs.
The history and application of technology is integrated into practical subjects across the curriculum such as House Building (building), Acoustics (instrument making), Craft (knitting needles, looms), and the History of Writing (pen and inkwell).
Handcraft is not only a stand alone subject, it is fully integrated across almost every area of the curriculum. For example, numeracy, literacy, geography, history etc.
Students will participate in handcraft activities such as weaving, sewing, knitting, and woodwork.
Teach Human Society and Environment.
This module has three central content areas: the local history from Aboriginal beginnings through to the development of European Australia and its growth into a multicultural society; the expansion of the geographic experience from the child’s local environment to encompass the whole world and the experience of the development of human consciousness through the stories, art, songs and artefacts of successive cultures.
Teach music.
In a Steiner curriculum, music is not only a stand alone subject, it is fully integrated across almost every area of the curriculum. For example, numeracy, literacy, geography, history etc.
Students will learn recorder and develop skills for singing in unison, in rounds and parts. Different cultural and historical musical traditions are explored.
Teach movement to music and speech - Eurythmy and Dance.
Eurythmy is a performing art expressed in visible movement, the inner qualities of music, speech and life forms. It builds social awareness and personal presence, is harmonising, health giving and develops gracefulness and posture.
Eurythmy integrates the whole curriculum.
For example, it relates to geometry and form drawing because the movements describe forms in space, allow an inner picture of these forms to be experienced in the bodily movement.
In a similar way, an inner picture of the letters of the alphabet in form and sound is developed and supports the entire English curriculum.
As it develops coordination, balance, and fine and gross motor skills, it is a part of the Physical Education program.
Eurythmy is taught to piano or violin accompaniment and is such is part of the music program.
Eurythmy is unique to Steiner Education.
Teach speech and drama.
In a Steiner curriculum, speech and drama are not only stand alone subjects, they are fully integrated across almost every area of the curriculum. For example, numeracy, literacy, geography, history etc.
Teachers in Steiner Schools lead a class through daily morning speech, singing and movement activities. They also direct at least annual dramatic productions with their classes.
The content of this module develops the skills required to choose, create and/or adapt and implement material for classroom use.
Teach visual and plastic arts.
In a Steiner curriculum, painting, drawing and modelling are not only stand alone subjects, they are fully integrated across almost every area of the curriculum. For example, numeracy, literacy, geography, history etc.
In this module, students will explore and cultivate a sense for colour qualities, geometrical forms, play of light and darkness and gesture in weekly painting, drawing and sculpture lessons.
Teach physical education.
In a Steiner curriculum, movement is not only a stand alone subject, it is fully integrated across almost every area of the curriculum. For example, numeracy, literacy, geography, history etc.
Physical Education covers the skills needed to teach games, sports and movement throughout the curriculum. There is a focus on activities wherever possible that build on other lessons that the child is experiencing. Many of the games/activities will reflect the development of the consciousness of the child throughout the primary school.
The emphasis, throughout, is on bringing the child's imagination to the activity. Also the social awareness of assisting others, appreciating differences and children working together is valued highly.
Teach Health and Personal Development
In Steiner Education health is understood as the harmonious integration between the three levels of human activity: physical, emotional, and intellectual, or more simply body, soul and spirit.
This understanding of the healthy development of children underlies all aspects of the curriculum.
This module examines specific health issues that relate to the teaching role in a Steiner School.
The teaching week
The course runs four days per week, Monday - Thursday, 9:00 a.m. - 2:45 p.m. over four terms, from early February to November (see our calendar page for term dates). The term dates fall generally, but not always, within the State school term calendar.
Enrolment information
For more details about the course please contact us. To download an application form, please go to our student enrolment page.
