Our Educational Philosophy

The Orana School is part of the world-wide educational movement known as “Steiner” or “Waldorf” schools, comprising more than 800 schools to date. While sharing a common educational philosophy, all Steiner schools are independent and autonomous organisations which can vary in their size, style and structure. Since the inception of the first school for children of the workers in the Waldorf-Astoria Cigarette factory in Stuttgart in 1919, Steiner schools have been established all over the world.  In middle Europe, Steiner Schools draw the greatest numbers of independent school enrolments.  Scandinavia, Great Britain, North and South America, Asia, New Zealand and Australia all have numerous Steiner Schools, many of which offer education from pre-school to Class 12.

Taken from Orana School parent handbooks

As with other Waldorf schools worldwide, Orana’s educational philosophy, teaching and learning principles are based on the educational insights and indications of Rudolf Steiner, who wrote and lectured extensively in the early years of this century. Readers who are less familiar with Steiner can avail themselves of the material on anthroposophy (the spiritual underpinning of all his work) as well as his writings in the fields of education, medicine, biodynamic agriculture and architecture. Class sizes at Orana average about 28 students, with slightly bigger numbers (up to a maximum of 30) in the junior classes and slightly smaller in senior classes. Class sizes in Kindergarten average about 16 children on any one day.

Orana implements a rich Steiner curriculum that seeks to develop in students all the faculties and powers of body, mind, and spirit in a balanced and healthy way. As well as providing a solid foundation in literacy and numeracy, the school maintains a strong program of music and choir, various art forms, handwork and crafts, eurythmy, games and physical education. The foreign languages taught at Orana are Japanese, with German taught in Lower Primary and High School.

Parents are able to regularly experience music, drama and other performances by students at school assemblies and seasonal festivals, and the school has a strong social life which centres on these events. The Orana Spring Fair has become a major community celebration and showcase for the school.

Contact Orana School
(02) 6288 4283