These days, the word Waldorf sparks a number of questions. This is because it is an alternative means of education that not many of us understand. It is holistic, yes, but don’t all schools claim to provide the same? Isn’t wholesome education the pivot everywhere today? Yes, but Waldorf schools are much more than just schools that provide holistic education and Prerana Waldorf School will help us prove our point.
Established in 2001, the school is a result of inspiration (which the name literally translates to) of Rudolph Steiner and Waldorf Education. The founders, Indira and Maj Varma, ran a mainstream school named Mount Banjara High School previously. It was a very successful school but through their journey they identified multiple pain points that children went through every day due to stress and competition. This led Indira Varma on a quest to find a nurturing and protective education.
The school was established in Banjara Hills as a kindergarten establishment but soon blossomed and the founders decided to make it a grade school. They shifted to their own campus in Gachibowli thereafter and pride themselves in being one of the best schools in Hyderabad today.
Let’s try and understand what Waldorf Education really entails and what Prerana offers to its students.
Prerana Waldorf School is located in Janardhan Hills, opposite NCC Urban Apartments in Gachibowli. The large campus provides a home-like atmosphere for students.
The fact that it is located in Gachibowli bodes well for most parents because it is an extremely convenient area with easy access from most parts of the city.
The laboratory has been designed as per the CBSE guidelines to provide children with a platform to master the hard sciences. Children are also taught to take care of themselves and their equipment while learning how to use it.
Children can access the library as and when they wish to, and explore the many resources it houses. The library has books for children of all ages from 3 to 16.
Physical training is a must for every child as it uplifts them and lets them refresh their bodies and minds. PT periods are interspersed in the time-table so that every class goes out to the field regularly. Children may train in any sport they like and compete on the national and international levels.
Play and activities are part and parcel of Waldorf Education. Activities help children open up, socialize, and gain confidence. Artistic expression, exploration, and practical work are incorporated into the curriculum so that children tap into their skills – much beyond intellectual working.
School operated buses cover many locations across the city. Parents may go through the list of locations and choose the service if it is convenient for them.
Now, let’s get to the bedrock of our discussion and find out how Waldorf works. Waldorf is usually defined as a “fully integrated and holistic education which teaches to the whole human being; head, heart, and hands, and embraces, honors, and celebrates our social and cultural diversity.” Today, more than 1,100 schools across 75 countries offer Waldorf Education.
In the Waldorf teaching methodology, there are 3 developmental stages and education is tailored to each – Early Childhood, Middle Childhood, and Adolescence. While intellectual development holds importance, it is not the only thing that’s necessary here. Artistic expression, creativity, play, social skills, physical health, and mental health are equally important because the ultimate aim here is to develop “whole human beings.”
Lower grade students do not have assessments. As the grades progress, their skills are tested through quizzes and activities. The school does not encourage the concept of standardized tests but prepares children all the same at the appropriate age because of the restrictions of the education system.
All in all, we think Prerana Waldorf School is nothing short of inspiring and deserves its spot among the best schools in Hyderabad today.