Meet Euan Maharg, Learning Lead at Camphill School Aberdeen

Our 'Meet the Team' series aims to highlight the exceptional staff and volunteers who work hard to make Camphill School Aberdeen the wonderful place that it is. Next up in our 'Meet the Team' series is Euan Maharg, Learning Lead.

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Can you tell us a little bit about your background and career to date?

I studied landscape architecture at Edinburgh College of Art and at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) where I also had the opportunity to do an internship in Paris.  

When I returned to Scotland, I joined a Glasgow-based design firm on public space and regeneration projects.  

I later retrained as an art and design teacher, where I had the chance to work closely with pupils with additional support needs and created cross-disciplinary projects and supported nurture groups. This path eventually led me to my current role as Learning Lead at Camphill School Aberdeen.

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What attracted you to the role at Camphill School Aberdeen?

During a visit to Camphill School, I was struck by the quality of teaching, the depth of relationships, and the rich variety of communication styles used by staff.  

The Camphill movement is well known for its transformative work with children and young people and offers incredible opportunities for pupils with additional support needs and for teachers alike.  

Inspired by this sense of community, I was eager to contribute. From enjoying a piano improvisation session with a pupil on my very first visit to now playing a role in helping shape the wider learning environment.

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How is Camphill school different to the other schools where you have worked?

What makes Camphill School Aberdeen so special to me is the way we meet the needs of our students. Our therapeutic and person-centred approach supports not only their learning but also their wellbeing.  

Relationships sit at the heart of everything we do, and with the freedom to shape each child’s programme, we can really nurture those connections.

I also love the rhythm of our cultural and seasonal events; they bring learning to life and give children a real sense of belonging in the community.

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Many of the pupils who come to Camphill School have not suited a mainstream setting. From what you've seen so far, are there any lessons that mainstream education can learn from Camphill or vice versa?

Mainstream schools could benefit from some of the approaches we use here, from communication techniques and insights into ASD to practical resources that strengthen inclusion. While time and funding remain challenges in mainstream settings, I believe the greatest value comes from ongoing conversations and exchanges between practitioners in both contexts.

Walking through our walled garden where the children grow fruit and veg, I’m reminded of a comment often made about Camphill schools: that we create a protective environment for young people with complex ASN. It’s vital that we hold this inclusive space for them, but it can be hard for young people to leave. I believe that enriching our links to mainstream schools and employment out with Camphill would benefit our pupils as they transition.

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We've just started a new academic year - what are you most looking forward to?

This term, I’m most looking forward to my time spent with our pupils.  

I’m also keen to get to know our teachers better and work more closely with our teams on Murtle Estate too. Camphill’s Amber Kindergarten lays a base for our Lower School enrolment. Their Waldorf approach to the Curriculum for Excellence is similar to our own, which provides continuity for children entering year one. I’m looking forward to the future projects together – exchanging skills and experiences for both pupils and staff.

This will also be my first Autumn Term at Camphill School Aberdeen with all its cultural and seasonal traditions – so there’s lots to look forward to!

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The new sensory playground is opening very soon. What difference do you think it will make to young people in the region?

Every day we see how much outdoor environments benefit children and young people with additional support needs. It supports emotional regulation, communication, physical activity, and connection to the seasons.  

The new sensory playground will build on this, providing a safe and engaging space to explore, play, and connect with nature. With accessible, adventurous equipment and spaces like an outdoor classroom and cozy hideaways, it will offer endless opportunities for learning, discovery, and quiet moments of reflection.

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When you're not at school what do you like to do in your spare time?

Rock, ice and alpine climbing, hill running, cycling, writing, art, growing veg, and cooking it badly.