Philosophy
Steiner education is a highly respected educational movement followed the world over. It tries to provide enjoyable and relevant learning, develop ethical and capable individuals who can contribute to society. Sloka is a Steiner-inspired school. So, in keeping with his philosophy, we believe that one of the most important lifelong interests a school can develop in our children, is the joy of learning. We do this by showing them how to apply and advance their natural learning abilities. We focus on child-centric, age-appropriate learning with an emphasis on developing the child’s self-esteem and confidence.
Children up to age six are encouraged to apply their natural curiosity to gain knowledge from their surroundings. It is our endeavor that the same teacher stays with our students from Class One to Eight, ensuring years of deeper understanding of the child’s interests and passions.
Teachers use this knowledge to help their students to gain critical insights into subjects like Math, Sciences, Humanities, Languages and the Arts. The wide exposure helps in developing skills through which they learn how to excel in any profession of their choice. Children make their own textbooks from lessons taught in class. Children use prescribed text books after Grade Eight.
Sloka’s Journey…
The planning and preparation before the school was founded itself took about a year and a half. Preparation paves the way for those charged with planning, designing, constructing, equipping, operating and maintaining the physical learning environment of children.
Thereafter, the trustees of Sloka, Ms. Nirmala Diaz, Mr. Suresh Kuppu and Mr. Satish Kocharekar, organised a series of events to create awareness among parents. Teacher training also began in the meantime and we were very fortunate to avail of the services of an experienced Waldorf teacher from Netherlands, Ms. Tina Bruinsman. She trained and worked with the teachers tireless for six months every year for five years and helped us set up this truly amazing school.
On July 3, 1997, Sloka started off on the journey with 19 students and 4 teachers. A journey which has been very fruitful and rewarding for all concerned so far. Sloka is the first Waldorf School to have been started in India. Our goal of providing quality education for a child has been our primary motto since then.