Philosophy
The roots of our educational philosophy lie in the crisis in society, a crisis that ranges from the personal, familial and local realms to political, global, and environmental landscapes. At an age when we are more technologically connected to one another than ever before in human history, we remain deeply aware of the profound experience of isolation, alienation and disconnection within people across the world.
This is all the more pronounced in the lives of children and young adults today. Growing up in a world marked by extremities, neglect and violence, and being highly influenced by an internet culture that is increasingly marked by polarization, sexualization, objectification and endless sensory bombardment, children are left extremely vulnerable to the consequences.
At Aranya, we choose to work with the Waldorf approach, because this approach was a carefully considered response to the emerging crisis in society in the early 20th century. Dr. Rudolf Steiner, an Austrian-born scientist, philosopher, architect, and social reformer, in 1919, proposed an approach to education that took into account the adverse effects of the First World War on society, especially on children, an approach that sought to counter these ill-effects and facilitate the healthy development of children.
Many other educational philosophers such as Jiddu Krishnamurti and John Dewey have emphasized this crucial potential that a thoughtful, creative educational approach can have upon the individual and therefore upon society.
What distinguishes Steiner however is his premise that while the social question is in essence an educational one, the educational question at its very core, is a question of health.
In other words, Steiner believed that education should be concerned not merely with countering the negative effects of society which increasingly has palpable effects on children's health (lack of exercise, inadequate sleep, poor diet, increasing difficulties in attention and concentration, psychological pressures), but more importantly with developing insights on methods of education which actually promote and nurture health.
Towards this end, he advanced an educational philosophy based on deep insights about child development. This became the basis for Waldorf and Waldorf inspired schools across the world. The curriculum and the methodology of work offers a large scope for experiential learning and an artistic approach to learning leading to the awakening of the intellect.
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A systematic focus on movement, music, art and handwork complements and enhances conceptual learning, while simultaneously moving away from the widely prevalent trend of prioritizing cognitive and factual learning above all else.
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Regarding the Waldorf curriculum, it is not a fixed set of content that needs to be taught but a broader guideline based on the developmental stages of the child.
This allows for a certain freedom and flexibility for teachers to engage in ways that reflect the social, historical and cultural contexts in which they work. We believe it is important for children to meaningfully engage with their own cultural and historical contexts without falling prey to parochialism.
Of particular educational significance is Goa itself, where the centre is based, blessed as it is with the riches of the natural environment. Developing a sense of wonder for the green fields, the rivers, the numerous birds and little beasts ~ this in itself is a tremendous gift for children’s connection with themselves and the natural world.
Our intention is to engage with these ideals thoughtfully, creatively and with a great deal of responsibility to serve the children who are in our care.
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