Post 16 Provision

The Camphill Rudolf Steiner Schools offer a two-year programme of extended education for youngsters aged 16–18 years old. An additional year post 18 is optional for those who need help and time with the transition to future placements. The Extended Schooling Programme is open to youngsters from other schools as well as those of the Camphill Schools.

This document should be read in conjunction with the Schools’ Prospectus.

the extended Schooling Programme (16–18 Years)

introduction

gardening

The end of Class 10 (generally when the pupils are aged sixteen) is the end of compulsory education for most of our pupils although some might have reached their school leaving age earlier in the year. Young people are helped to realise that compulsory education has come to an end and that their wishes for their future will be taken into account. Parents, local authorities and Camphill co-workers all have a key part to play in helping the young person formulate and voice his/her wishes and concerns.

This process will have already formally begun at the Future Needs Assessment review but also informally with teachers, parents and friends. If parents and authorities wish to secure a place in the Extended Schooling Programme (known as the seniors programme) a formal application has to be made as there is no automatic stepping up from Class 10 to Class 11 and continuation of funding needs to be renegotiated with the authorities.

Home Life

The youngsters participate with the co-workers and children in the general cultural and social events in the Schools. In addition they have their own extensive evening programme. Regular meetings are held with the co-workers of their household and also amongst themselves, to discuss and decide upon domestic matters, as well as personal and human concerns. A wide variety of activities are arranged, visits to concerts, theatre and cinema, basketball, folk dancing, swimming etc. as well as quieter activities like reading a book, making a puzzle or visiting a friend. Much emphasis is laid on helping the youngster begin to come to terms with and accept his or her difficulty in a positive manner thus enabling the young adult at 18 to have a more realistic approach to his or her future. education

The youngsters are grouped in classes according to their age in Class 11 and 12. Main lesson work, following the Waldorf Curriculum, continues with studies in natural science, expressive arts, technology, environmental studies and moral and religious lessons. These lessons are taught in block periods of 3–4 weeks in order to allow the youngsters time to develop their own understanding and become fully involved both in a practical and artistic manner.

Tuition in literacy and numeracy is given in individual or small group sessions according to the youngsters’ abilities and needs. During the two years, formal schooling within the classroom gradually decreases and training in vocational, social and independent living skills receive greater emphasis.

Craft and Work

weavery

An important element in the youngsters’ education takes place in one of the many craft workshops. The aim of the workshop placement, apart from gaining experience of the various materials, tools and work-processes of each craft, is to develop the motivation, discipline and thoroughness without which no up-to-standard articles can be produced and offered to the community. It is, therefore, of particular importance that the youngsters work on articles already ordered by houses or individuals, who can specify the details of their requests, visit the workshop in the middle of the production-process and create the human connection which makes work worthwhile.

Learning to work in a team is of equal importance. The youngsters are therefore involved in different outdoor projects which help to foster their co-operative and creative attitude. They are both directed to take on specific projects in gardening, landscaping, general estate work and maintenance as well as being involved in the planning and construction of specific projects such as play ground equipment etc.

Therapy

Although many of the craft workshops have a therapeutic quality in the attitude to the work ethic, many pupils will receive individual specific therapies as prescribed at the annual curative education review and stated in their education and care plan.

Therapies currently available include:

  • therapeutic speech
  • eurythmy therapy
  • art therapy
  • rhythmical massage
  • physiotherapy
  • riding therapy
  • music therapy
  • play therapy
  • counselling
  • massage
  • hydrotherapy

The following two-year programme may change in its structure to reflect the needs of the youngsters in the course.

First Year Programme

After the daily ‘main lesson’ of one hour the youngsters split up into smaller groups and join one of the following craft workshops:

Workshop Products

  • Weavery: Wall hangings, table mats, table cloths, cushion covers, hand spun wool.
  • Metal workshop: Copper and brass-ware, bowls, bracelets, napkin rings, brooches, earrings, candle snuffers etc.
  • Candle workshop: Beeswax candles in various sizes.
  • Woodwork: Sculptures, pencil boxes, pot stands, book stands, shelves, stools, frames, butter knives.
  • Pottery: Plant pots, vases, cutlery containers, bowls (all in various sizes), medicine cups, candle holders, tea, sugar, coffee and biscuit containers, also some slipcast mugs, teapots and milk jugs.
  • Tools for Self Reliance: Collecting and repairing tools for package to third world countries.
  • Felt Workshop: Balls, pictures, hot mats, tea cosies, cushions.

Generally the youngsters move to a new workshop every term, so that at the end of the year each student will normally have experienced four different crafts.

During the afternoons the youngsters receive individual tuition in basic skills and they are involved in project work.

work

Work experience

Youngsters are placed in work situations within our Schools according to their individual ability, particularly in the Tools for Self Reliance Workshop but also in the laundries, gardens, kitchens, joiners maintenance workshop etc.

When appropriate, individual youngsters are placed with local firms and craftsmen for prolonged work experience. This helps them to become aware of their potential and limitations and encourages them socially to find a place in working life.

graduation

school ending 2

At the end of the second year a formal graduation ceremony takes place to which parents, friends and all those who have been or are currently involved with the pupils are invited.

Future Planning

At the annual review during both years of the programme discussions will take place to look at the youngster’s future placement. All possibilities are examined and a plan of action agreed which is then monitored within an agreed time scale. While it may be appropriate for the youngster to continue to live and work in a Camphill Community there is no automatic transfer and an application needs to be made to each place that seems to meet the needs of the youngster.

At this planning stage it is important to ‘listen’ to the views of the youngster as it may be that at 18 years of age the time has come for the youngster to have some time away from Camphill in order to experience other ways of living and working.

The Post School transition Year (Post 18)

The transition year is an extension to the above course. This is a more specifically individually designed course which may include life skills, craft work or work experience.

The course allows opportunities for the young person to extend their skills in Camphill whilst waiting to move on to their next placement. This extension enables the young person to complete their education in class 12 without the worry and distractions of transitions. It also provides an alternative to extended periods at home waiting for a placement to become available.

A gradual transition to future placements has also proved beneficial for some youngsters.

This year needs to be formally applied for and funding secured before a place can be taken up.