Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 41:47 — 95.6MB)

Subscribe: RSS

This episode concentrates on Steiner education as devised by Rudolf Steiner over one hundred years ago. Steiner education is dedicated to generating an inner enthusiasm for learning within every child by a deep immersion in each subject. The wide-ranging and non-competitive approach educates the whole person. Our exploration will offer a greater understanding of what the Steiner method offers, while imagining how it might have fitted into the Hedge School environment.

Pearse O’Sheil is the founding teacher of Ireland’s first Steiner school and is currently chair of the Board of Management of Raheen Wood Community National School. Pearse lectures on the philosophy of education in TUS in Limerick and is the chair of Lifeways Ireland CLG which, up until recently, was the patron body for Steiner National Schools. Pearse has worked for many years with groups in Ireland and elsewhere seeking to start alternative schools based on an integrating pedagogy. He is engaged as a Ph.D researcher in work on the epistemological basis of Steiner/Waldorf education.

Pearse is also chair of Cooperative Housing Ireland and is active in the provision of social and affordable housing on a national level.

Jayne Enright first started teaching in Dublin in 2006. During her time in various schools she has taught all classes from Junior Infants up to sixth class as well as both Learning Support and Resource classes.

Before taking on her current role at the Dublin Steiner School, Jayne worked as a teacher at another local National Primary School and volunteered as a director on the Dublin Steiner School Board. Jayne was instrumental in the foundation of the Primary School and is looking forward to leading its growth into the future.

Series devised and produced by Berni Dwan with additional production support from Declan McGlade. Made with the support of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the Television License Fee.