Alan Howard Waldorf School (AHWS) is an independent, non-sectarian and co-educational private school. The core values of AHWS are based on the Waldorf system of education for imparting knowledge and skill. Based on the philosophy of Rudolf Steiner, an Australian Philosopher, the school follows a humanistic approach to education and instruction. Learning is interdisciplinary; an amalgamation of conceptual, practical and artistic elements that aims to help children develop the skill of creative and analytical thinking. The educational approach at AHWS follows the belief that education is an art and life must be presented in a manner that inspires, enthralls and interests children.
Education is a never ending process that continues throughout an individual’s life, and is strongly influenced by childhood experiences -especially that of the school life. The school aims at educating and developing the overall personality of children so that they can attain intellectual, practical and emotional intelligence. The initial years of a child’s life play an important role in shaping their personalities. Realizing the significant impact of childhood, AHWS offers a preschool facility, including kindergarten, a nursery and daycare.
Kindergarten helps develop the skills that prepare children for their first grade education. It incorporates activities that improve language and memory, along with broadening pictorial imaginations. Kindergarten also encourages creative thinking, problem-solving and social interaction within an aesthetically rich classroom.
There are two nursery programs, namely the ‘Skygarden’ and the ‘Rainbow Garden’, for children between the age of two and four years. The peaceful classroom environment and helpful guidance from the teachers facilitate effective learning. The nursery programs offer children their first school experience.
The school boasts of Toronto's first ‘Waldorf daycare’, which is open for children between 18 months and four years in age. It offers varied activities for children, which not only keeps them busy, but also helps in improving their cognitive capabilities. The practices followed at the daycare foster the social, emotional and intellectual attributes of children. Practical skills such as gardening, cleaning, washing and more are emphasized.
Preschool programs follow a play based approach, where the foundation of literacy is encouraged through drama, poetry, music, storytelling and puppetry. It includes free play, outdoor time, story time, snack preparation, and as well as healthy, organic snacks and meals for the children. Teachers mentor the children in order to help them develop understanding, objectivity and versatility skills. Children are inspired to develop analytical and creative thinking strategies, along with a connection with humanity and the environment. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to successfully accomplish such goals. In order to retain children’s interest, educators resort to innovative modes of teaching like incorporating themes with lessons.
AHWS started with a combined junior and senior kindergarten program in 1987, and has since undergone growth and evolved into a reputable private school. The school now has daycare, nursery, and kindergarten programs and classes from grades one to eight. Thus, once the children complete their formative learning at AHWS, they can continue their education at AHWS itself.•