Developing the whole child, sometimes called holistic education, is a phrase often used by schools. It refers to the idea that schools should not only develop academic skills but also other traits that make a well-rounded person. Steiner talks about this extensively with his three-fold models such as head, heart and hands or thinking, feeling and willing.
At Michael Park this is a lived experience that is strongly reflected in our practice and the opportunities that every child enjoys. While this is in the DNA of our daily work and longer-term planning, specific examples include the self-directed play of Kindergarten, thoughtfully developed camps every year from Class 3–12, plays throughout the primary school and major events in the life of Class 8, 10 and 12, a Class 1–12 Peer Mediation Programme, ceramics and arts programmes, student councils, environmental initiatives, outdoor classroom and experiential learning, hands-on learning in handwork and hard materials, celebrations of nature and festivals, as well as sports, cultural and music groups.
