McGregor Waldorf School

High School

The McGregor Waldorf College, the high school section of the school, currently teaches 77 students at the premises know as the Kampterrein.

Main Lesson

This method of time tabling is used in all Waldorf schools. Each subject is studied in a ‘block’ of 3 to 4 weeks for 1 ½ - 2 hours each day. In this way the focus remains on the subject and allows for a deep, intensive study of each subject area. This method is conducive to concentration and interest levels for the students, bringing a keen enthusiasm for learning. Main lessons include subjects such as Physics, Life Orientation, Business Economics, Afrikaans, Mathematics, Drama, Art, Geography, History, Computer, English, Biology and Chemistry. Running lessons allow the students to deepen their knowledge and to practise throughout the year.

Practical Main Lesson

This is a unique period in the McGregor Waldorf College curriculum allowing the students to choose a particular workshop from a range of choices that they get involved with for the year. Choices include: website design, gardening, practical science, pottery, textiles, choir and leatherwork. The day begins with practical main lessons and has proven to be very beneficial to the students learning rhythm and work ethic, as well as providing valuable practical skills that may often lead to future employment. When possible, older students lead workshops such as cookery, hairdressing and beadwork, giving them additional organisational and leadership skills.

The Arts

The purpose of the art classes is to develop all the senses of the child especially the thinking, feeling and willing areas.

In the Primary school the art lessons are focused on creating form out of beautiful, soft colours.

In classes 7,8 and 9 we follow the Waldorf art curriculum as suggested by Rudolf Steiner but also concentrate on the techniques of drawing. The arts and craft curriculum as prescribed by the Department of Education, is partly done in the Technology classes.

In classes 10, 11 and 12 we work on a portfolio containing work of those three years to be assessed by the Department of Education in the final matric year.

Our school has entered into a partnership with the Hugo Naude Art Centre in Worcester. Although we follow our own art programme, we are able to use their art library, to receive valuable help and input and not to feel so isolated as a small school. Our students’ work is on exhibition there for assessment in their final year. We have many students who have their first art lesson only in class 10. This demands hard work and discipline, but it is wonderful to see their development not only in their artistic ability, but also in their self-confidence.

Science

The Science department strives to develop a practical knowledge of both the natural and the life sciences. Learning is encouraged through designing and producing projects that are Science related. Examples such as solar water heating systems, permaculture gardens and simple motors, develop an applied understanding of the Science curriculum by our students.

Business Studies & Apprenticeships

The McGregor School and College are very vulnerable as most of our income comes from donations and sponsors. The school will never be able to survive on the income from school fees as our parents cannot afford the fees. We have therefore implemented a policy to start businesses that are linked to the school but which are run separately from the school. The main purpose of these businesses is to raise money through profits for the school. They will also create job opportunities for the parents of our students and other people in our community where unemployment in very high and they will also provide a learning centre for our students where they can learn skills which will help them to find employment or set up their own businesses in the future.

We have managed to set up a business in bookmaking that has employed one of our parents on a fulltime basis and which has made R 30 000 profit in the first year. We make main lesson books for Waldorf schools in South Africa. The current price of an A4 book is about R 4.50 (0,5 Euro).

We are looking at Woodwork, jungle gym and leatherwork projects. We are also considering the establishment of a recycling project in McGregor.

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McGregor Waldorf School

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