Lancaster Independent School for Alternative Learning

Ethos and Approach

Our Ethos and Approach

Two children's hands holding a small garden bird.

At Lancaster Independent School for Alternative Learning (formerly Lancaster Steiner School), children will discover the joy of learning and experience the richness of childhood in an unhurried, thorough and creative environment, laying foundations for a lifelong love of learning. We strive to develop free thinking, confident, socially responsible individuals who are able to embrace their community, sustain their livelihoods and to positively shape the world. To realise this vision we draw upon the innovative approach and world-wide experience of Steiner Waldorf education. Our school is registered with the Steiner Waldorf Schools Federation.

Steiner education works for all children irrespective of academic ability, class, ethnicity or religion; takes account of the needs of the whole child – academic, physical, emotional and spiritual; is based on an understanding of the relevance of the different phases of child development; develops a love of learning and an enthusiasm for school; sees artistic activity and the development of the imagination as integral to learning; is tried and tested and is part of state funded, mainstream provision in most European countries; is respected worldwide for its ability to produce very able young people who have a strong sense of self and diverse capacities that enable them to become socially and economically responsible citizens.

Our Values

Our values are rooted in the philosophies of Rudolf Steiner and are based on the three great ideals of Truth, Goodness and Beauty.

Putting these ideals into practise, we endeavour to work together with the values of:

Integrity: to act with integrity is to be honest and transparent in our dealings with each other. We recognise that when our community has a strong sense of unity developed through trust and open mindedness, we all benefit.

Compassion: through showing kindness, caring and a willingness to help others we embody compassion in our friendships, and fellowship as a wider community.

Inclusivity: recognising that we live in a world rich in variety and embracing that diversity.

Collaboration: be happy to take responsibility and be involved, working together in a ethos of cooperation and support within our skills and capacity.

Appreciation: by acknowledging the efforts of individuals and the role they play in our community we are respectful and thankful. We foster reverence for the natural world.

Enablement: helping every member of our community to grow their creativity and wisdom, and nurture individuality.