National Certificate/Waldorf Programme (Level 4)

Songs, verses and games with appropriate gestures are included in every module of both programmes. Artistic work consisting of painting, drawing, clay modelling, and eurythmy (movement) is included in each module of both programmes, as well as hand- or craft-work projects such as making toys and books. Trainees learn how to present these wonderfully exciting experiences to the children in their care as enjoyable, developmentally valuable activities.

Modules —

1. Foundation Knowledge for the Education of Pre-school Children

The Three Golden Rules of Waldorf Child Education; a study of the human being as the starting point for holistic education; creating a nurturing environment for the child

2 & 3. Play as a Primary Learning Activity (1 & 2)

Nature as basis for play equipment; child play and child development; puppetry to enhance play and language; promoting and managing safe, healthy play

4. Creating a Healthy, Healing, Harmonious Learning Environment

What makes a good day for the children? Daily rhythms and routines; health and nutrition; assisting with basic administration and management

5. Planning the Year - Seasons & Festivals

Curriculum planning based on the seasons; seasonal activities, stories, nature tables and decoration; designing and celebrating festivals for each season

6. The Importance & Purpose of a Well-planned Morning Ring for Each Day

Plan and compile creative, imaginative ring times, weaving movement, song and rich language, seasonal themes, with developmentally appropriate content; present the morning ring as a lively, joy-filled learning experience

7 & 8. The Art of Storytelling & the Development of Early Literacy Skills

From memories of the stories of childhood, to types of stories to tell to children appropriate to their age; telling stories, making stories; dramatisation and puppets; the importance of books for children; choosing suitable books; using books in the classroom

(Higher) Certificate/Waldorf Programme (Level 5)

The Level 5 programme follows the Level 4 studies, and enables the practitioner to draw on a deepened knowledge of content to plan a healthy, healing and stimulating programme for children. Artistic work continues.

Modules —

1. Learning Readiness

An understanding of the foundation developmental needs towards life-long learning and development, observation and assessment of readiness for formal (primary) learning

2. Language

A study of the importance of language in developing thinking skills; use of language to awaken free, creative intellectual processes for life

3. Numeracy

Numeracy as a human activity; plan, implement and evaluate a developmentally appropriate numeracy learning programme to Grade R level

4. Literacy

An understanding of the historical development of writing and the intellectual development of children enables planning, implementation and evaluation of a literacy learning programme to Grade R level

5. Programme Planning

Programme planning (long-term, short-term, daily basis) taking differing community, cultural and other needs into consideration

6. Child Development

Development as revealed in children's drawings; play; language use

7. Essential Bases for Life-long Learning

The twelve senses in the programme; function and importance

8. Safety, Health, Nutrition & Children with Special Needs

Compiling and implementing safety, nutrition and health policies taking into account culture, community and socio-economic influences

9. Administration & Management

Establish, maintain administration and management procedures

10. The Development of Human Values

Guiding development of reverence, love, respect and wonder as a basis for moral action in later life; embraces human rights, freedom of thought, responsibility in democracy and respect for the environment