Parents worldwide are increasingly seeking something different to what is offered in mainstream schooling. This is not just a passing phase.

Alternative schools are applying the methods more traditional models will incorporate in future- Julián Sáez

The desire for a more inspiring, empowering, relevant experience is not only something parents want for their children or many teachers crave, it is something the next generation have come to co-create.

The following are some of the many reasons why the traditional approach to schooling, education and learning is no longer resonating with so many people:

• Children are still being fed the idea that success is about achieving certain scores and working hard, even though many adults have come to understand that real success is much more about feeling good about yourself, being happy and optimistic, being able to enjoy healthy relationships, being fulfilled in work and having the capacity to enjoy the adventure of this fabulous life.

• Parents and teachers sense or see clearly that their children are often not developing to their full potential and feel the need to change that.

• Teachers within the system are feeling exhausted and frustrated at seeing children struggle and at not being able to provide what is really important.

• Parents whose children are having difficulties at school realise that the problem does not necessarily lie with their child but that the traditional approach simply does not promote (or in some cases actually hinders) their child’s success.

• Encouraging comparison and competition between children no longer feels right in a society that requires cooperation, self-acceptance and truly valuing difference like never before.

• Childhood is for children, not little adults. Wouldn’t it be nice for children to be able to play, explore, discover and discern their way to knowledge and understanding rather than sit at a desk and be fed information that may or may not actually serve them in life?

• Dance, theatre, creativity and music are the natural ways in which children engage in life when given permission to do so. It is time to develop this innate aspect of ourselves and encourage and more holistic expression of humanity rather that focus all our energy on information and mental faculties.

Traditional educational models that are heavily academic-oriented and focused on intelligence as measured by IQ tests such as logical reasoning, mathematics and verbal skills, are failing to prepare individuals to succeed in their adult life (even in their childhood). As a University teacher, I have the same experience.

Many researchers are seeing alternative schools as the ‘cutting edge’ in the evolution of education, as they are focused on cultivating in children basic skills to succeed in life, such as emotional intelligence, interpersonal skills, self-management skills and social intelligence, coupled with a deep value for a child’s uniqueness, creative expression and inner wisdom.

Alternative schools are pioneers in applying the vision and methods that the more traditional models will incorporate in future years or decades (since big institutions need decades to change).

Waldorf pedagogy, also known as Steiner education, is one of these models.

It is based on the humanistic approach to the educational model developed by Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner at the beginning of the 20th century, with the vision of giving children the basis to grow into free, morally responsible, and integrated individuals.

The Waldorf philosophy stresses that the child gradually learns to be a social being, and that the development of the young child in the social realm is as important as anything else we do.

The teacher has the role of orchestrating how this happens – through modeling good social behaviour with child-ren, through joining together in movement activities, singing or games to develop group consciousness, and by helping children to work through disagreements.

In a Waldorf school, play is viewed as the work of the young child. The magic of fantasy, which is so alive in every young child, is an integral part of how the teacher works with the child.

In 2011 there were more than 1,000 Waldorf schools and over 2,000 Waldorf kindergartens programmes in 60 countries in all five continents. It is one of the two fastest growing educational models in the world today, the other being Montessori, another alternative model.

Waldorf pedagogy is already present in 26 European countries: 222 schools in Germany, 92 in Holland, 41 in Sweden, 35 in Switzerland, 34 in Norway, 32 in UK, and 32 in Italy, just to give a few figures.

Fundamental to Waldorf is an enormous respect for the child in a holistic approach as a creat-ive being on all levels – physical, mental, psychological and spiritual.

As parents living in Malta with previous experience in a Waldorf school we have started a ‘Waldorf Malta’ movement with the aim of starting such a school here.

We want people in Malta to have access to this educational approach. We are currently at the first stage, contacting other parents in Malta interested in an alternative model for the education of their children.

We have been asked how we plan to set this school up in Malta given the educational culture that exists here. This question is itself a reflection of the traditional model of education in which we have been taught to move forward with our dreams only if they fit into what is currently accepted as possible.

We are modeling a new approach that encourages citizens to dream what is possible and move in that direction even if it is not clear how it can happen. We are in the vision stage and inviting others who share this vision to join us.

Our contact with the education system in Malta has been positive and we expect that to continue. As people who really respect and appreciate what the traditional model offers we are called to further develop this and create something that will benefit all.

We look forward to doing that with our Maltese friends.

To find out more about Waldorf education visit www.whywaldorfworks.org/06_Global/index.asp.

If you are interested in receiving more information on the ‘Waldorf Malta’ movement, e-mail waldorfmalta@gmail.com.