Community of learning

Dr Konig, the founder of Camphill Rudolf Steiner School, saw the school as 'a community of learning'. Learning is derived not only from the on-going research conducted within the school by co-workers but also from collaboration with external academic and professional bodies. Listed below are some of the research projects in which the school is currently engaged.

Well-being and social inclusion in Camphill schools and homes: 2004

This study examined issues of social inclusion and pupil well-being (being, belonging, becoming) in the context of Camphill Rudolf Steiner School. Special emphasis was placed on the nature, quality and frequency of relationships established within the residential school setting. An ethnographic approach, using participant observation was adopted. This focused on the experience and points of view of both pupils and support workers.

Professor Pamela Cushing, School of Social Justice and Peace Studies, King’s College, University of Western Ontario

Assessing quality of life at Camphill communities, Aberdeen and the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route: 2004

The research aims to collect perceptions on the quality of life in Camphill communities and perceptions on the possible effects of the proposed route on Camphill and the people who live and work there. The perceived threat to the quality of life is the starting point for the research: it will also explore relevant emergent issues.

Professor Roy Brown, Professor Emeritus of Educational Psychology, University of Calgary

Development of the National/Scottish Vocational Qualification HSC350: Recognise, respect and support the spiritual well-being of individuals (Level 3): 2005

The School collaborated with the Scottish Social Services Council in the development of the optional unit HSC350 which: identifies opportunities to support individuals’ spiritual well-being; provides opportunities that facilitate and support spiritual well-being; and evaluates and reports on work that relates to spiritual well-being. Spiritual well-being has not previously featured in a national care qualification in the U.K.

Margaret Crompton, Paul Henderson, Robin Jackson and Angelika Monteux

Assessing the spiritual well-being of people living and working within the Aberdeen Camphill Communities: 2006

The importance of spirituality for the process of health and social care is rapidly gaining significance across the disciplines. Whilst mainstream services have struggled to provide this aspect of care, the Camphill communities have consistently highlighted it. This study aims to explore the significance of spiritual well-being for those living and working in Camphill communities.

Professor John Swinton, School of Divinity, History and Philosophy, King’s College, University of Aberdeen

New ways of educating: pedagogy and children’s services: 2006

Pedagogy and the occupational model of pedagogue are of interest as they offer a holistic, flexible and well-educated workforce able to work across different types of universal and selective children’s services. This study, which involved Camphill Rudolf Steiner School, examines how pedagogy could play a role in reforming the workforce, and the quality of the work, in children’s services.

Dr Claire Cameron, Thomas Coram Research Unit, Institute of Education, University of London