Dear Friends and Colleagues,
Welcome to this innovative programme for qualified teachers aimed at supporting their development in creative pedagogies and gaining a professionally accredited qualification in Waldorf Education.
We’re delighted this year to be sharing in the dialogue afforded by membership of INASTE – this high level of quality assurance is a strong theme within our current cohorts as they carry forward renewal in education, placing children’s creativity and wellbeing at the heart of our collective endeavours.
We’re currently having conversations with teachers from a wide geography and across a wide range of settings, phases and school roles. We’re more than happy to explore the programme’s suitability for you and your school – please email [email protected] to set up a zoom check-in.
Paul Hougham, Co-course Leader & CEO Waldorf Learning Foundation.
Designed to expand teachers’ career horizons and nurture passion for creativity in education, participants will:
If you’re interested in this programme please follow this link to the programme page on the Bath Spa University website.
This course is designed for those who hold a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and have Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) (or international equivalents). Those with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) from an undergraduate course are also welcome to apply, provided you have at least two years of teaching experience (in Early Years, Primary or Secondary settings).
This course is designed for those who have the equivalent to IELTS 6.5 overall to join the course. We have to be sure that your English is at a level for you to be able to prosper on the course. Applicants can build up a body of evidence to support their English language abilities, and an iGCSE in English could form part of that, together with professional experience working/teaching in English etc. But the easiest way, is for applicants to sit a recognised English language test. We can accept a wide range of English language qualifications as outlined here:
Expand your career horizons and nurture your passion for creativity in education.
If you have a teaching qualification, this ‘top-up’ course has been designed with you in mind. Our Postgraduate Diploma can be completed within 12-16 months to enable you to develop both academically and professionally, while maintaining a healthy study and work-life balance. This is a low-residency course; the majority of workshops will be held online but there will be several in-person, experiential workshops to develop your artistic practice, practical craft and outdoor teaching skills.
On completion of the Postgraduate Diploma, you have the opportunity to undertake an applied research module which will enable you to develop an area of specific interest and gain a full Master’s qualification. The programme is in the process of being accredited by the Steiner Waldorf Schools Fellowship, according to national and international standards for Waldorf teachers, and is jointly delivered by Bath Spa University and the Waldorf Learning Foundation.
What you’ll learn
During the course, you’ll critically evaluate and synthesise your understanding of a range of theoretical and philosophical perspectives related to creative environments and pedagogies, and policy and practice, including Waldorf Education.
You’ll also consider local, national and international perspectives and critically analyse concepts such as equity and social justice, wellbeing and sustainability. The programme upholds the professional and progressive standards of Waldorf Education as well as actively referencing a diversity of research and practice in creative pedagogies worldwide.
How will I be assessed? Each academic module is coursework assessed. You’ll submit a written assignment together with a critically reflective Professional Practice Portfolio, which may include:
Course structure
Our Postgraduate Diploma is taken on a part-time basis. Through a blend of theory and practice, you’ll focus on how to support and ‘incubate’ creativity in the context of Waldorf Education, for yourself as an educator and for your students. During the course, you’ll take two modules over two trimesters. The kinds of things you’ll study include:
How will I be taught?
Modules are delivered as a mixture of online lectures, seminars and tutorials.
Sessions are led by the Course Leaders and visiting tutors who are specialists in Waldorf Education and creative pedagogies. Individual tutorial support is offered alongside valuable opportunities for extended discussion with tutors and colleagues. Self-directed artistic and/or creative practice will also be an important part of your learning and development. Completion of a Professional Practice Portfolio will offer opportunities for the development of critically reflexive practice.
Fieldwork
For each module, a two-day experiential Landcraft Retreat will offer immersion into craft and community. These long weekends will be hosted at the Steiner Academy Hereford, the only state-funded Waldorf school in the UK. Where there is sufficient demand, Landcraft Retreats will be offered in global regional hubs, offering you opportunities to engage with locally accessible communities.
Careers
When you graduate, you’ll be a fully qualified Waldorf Education professional with a unique set of skills for facilitating creativity in education. You’ll have completed a Professional Practice Portfolio, which demonstrates expertise in the Waldorf Teaching Standards, further enhancing your employability.
Where the subject is taught
You’ll be taught both online (lectures, seminars, tutorials) and through a series of residential long weekends at the Steiner Academy, Hereford. Your main Bath Spa University campus is Newton Park.
More information
https://www.bathspa.ac.uk/courses/pg-waldorf-education-and-creative-pedagogies/
How do I apply?
https://www.bathspa.ac.uk/how-to-apply/postgraduate/
Fees September 2024, part time
https://www.bathspa.ac.uk/courses/pg-waldorf-education-and-creative-pedagogies/
Is there any financial support available to help with course fees?
Please see here for bursaries and grants available for September 2024’s cohort.
Want to apply for our next cohort?
Our postgraduate course has a limited number of student spaces. To avoid the disappointment of the course being full, we recommend that you apply now. Need more information or still have questions? Contact us to discuss your situation.
