Introduction

About the Camphill Rudolf Steiner Schools (camphillschools), Aberdeen

The Camphill-Rudolf Steiner-Schools, which are situated on three estates on Royal Deeside, provide curative education for children and young adults with special needs ranging in age from 3 to 25.

From the foundation of the first Camphill community by Dr Karl König in 1940, it has been recognised that all children have strengths and weaknesses and that it is the responsibility of those working in Camphill to develop the assets that each child possesses. To that end, an holistic approach is taken to the individual’s physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs. At a time when there is general disquiet at the spiritual bleakness of living in a society pre-occupied with short-term and materialistic concerns, Camphill communities make no apology for their celebration of Christian Festivals, their dedication to Christian values and the translation of those values into actions.

Community living is a process of building relationships and sharing in a common activity of work, social endeavours and spiritual values. It begins when you arrive. It is not a utopia already built but develops during your stay in Camphill.

Personal growth is an important aspect of life in Camphill. The closeness of our relationships with one another at Camphill - adults and pupils alike - means that the mutual sharing of feelings as well as material resources is a fundamental aspect of everyday life. Coming to terms with this will take time and, in some instances, may require a considerable amount of personal readjustment, but you will find the effort greatly rewarding and you will also be helped by the knowledge that your more experienced colleagues have all worked through this process.

An awareness of how others feel - empathy - is a vital element of the Camphill ethos. It is, of course, essential for forming positive relationships with the pupils, but it is just as important for relating harmoniously and lovingly with all those who share with you the adult responsibilities of caring and working at Camphill.

Within the whole community, we try to develop a spirit of mutual respect for each other\'s points of view, tolerance for one another\'s personal differences and openness to each individual\'s ideals. At Camphill, the smallest achievement is judged as worthy of praise and acknowledgement as success in the larger undertakings.