The Arts
In Steiner Education the Arts are central to our offering, utilised as a tool to build important neural pathways, fine motor skills, self-expression, and critical thinking skills. Whilst artistry is embedded within our academic curriculum, we also offer dedicated art subjects. Below is a summary of our music program, visual arts, drama and craft. These offerings are adjusted based on a child’s stage of development. Further details on art projects are avilable in the school prospectus, or can be supplied by enquiry with our enrolments team.
Visual Arts
Visual arts are woven throughout our curriculum, evolving thoughtfully with each stage of a child’s development. In the early years, wet-on-wet watercolour painting allows colours to flow freely, nurturing imagination without rigid form. As students grow, form drawing introduces flowing and geometric shapes that build spatial awareness, balance, and the fine motor skills needed for handwriting.
In primary years, art becomes more detailed and purposeful. Students illustrate their Main Lesson books with drawings that capture stories, history, and science, while clay and beeswax modelling give form to new concepts. By middle and senior years, art deepens into advanced drawing and sculptures, supported by Main Lessons focussed on significant periods of art history.
Throughout, visual arts are integrated across subjects—geometry lessons include intricate constructions, and ancient history comes alive through painting hieroglyphs or sculpting clay artefacts. This rich artistic journey strengthens understanding, invites emotional engagement, and fosters a lifelong appreciation for beauty and meaning.
Craft & Applied Arts
Craft, textiles, and applied arts are an essential part of our curriculum, nurturing the head, heart, and hands in harmony. Through these artistic, purposeful projects, students cultivate their will — building perseverance, focus, and the ability to bring an idea into reality with care and intention. Working patiently over many weeks strengthens inner discipline and fosters a quiet joy in meaningful work. Rhythmic activities such as knitting also nourish a sense of inner calm and balance, while developing fine motor skills and dexterity. In this way, craft becomes far more than a subject: it is a living expression of creativity, beauty, and purposeful doing that deeply supports each child’s development.
Drama
In Steiner Education, class plays are known as pedagogical dramas. They nurture social and emotional growth while deepening students’ connection to the curriculum. From Class 1 through to Class 10, every student takes part in an annual play, carefully chosen to align with their developmental stage and Main Lessons. In Class 5 and 6, for example, after studying Ancient India, students bring the Ramayana to life on stage, exploring themes of loyalty, adventure, and bravery. In High School, they step into the rich world of Shakespeare, delving into complex ideas of morality, power, and ambition through plays like Macbeth. These experiences build confidence, foster collaboration, and invite students to inhabit stories that speak profoundly to their inner lives.
Music
Music is a cornerstone of the educational experience at TAWS, resonating through our classrooms, festivals, and community gatherings. From early childhood songs to ensemble work in the upper years, music at TAWS cultivates creative expression, connection to self and others. All lessons and private instruction are included within our school tuition fees.
Classroom
In Primary (K–6), all students participate in weekly classroom music lessons. These lessons begin with pentatonic songs taught by ear and imitation (singing), nurturing students’ sense of tone, projection, and inner connection to music.
Singing will then grow in complexity, with the introduction of percussion instruments and recorder by Class 1, developing tone recognition, coordination, breath control, and reading written music. Over time, lessons incorporate ensembles and string instruments, enhancing students’ ability to harmoniously perform pieces with multiple interwoven parts.
In Secondary, music becomes optional and through our Instrumental Program, students can continue to develop their musical skills. High School students are also encouraged to take part in the Fiddler’s Club, Choral Club, and supporting school plays.
Instrumental Program
Playing a string instrument (violin or cello) is required for all students in Classes 3–6 and is warmly encouraged throughout High School. String instruments hold a special place in Steiner education; their tones closely mirror the human voice, offering warmth and resonance that deepen students’ tonal sensitivity and appreciation for complex musical structures. They also cultivate good posture, coordination, and fine motor control—foundational skills that support future musical pursuits.
Additional brass, woodwind, and string instruments are available to students from Class 5-12. These instruments are taught in individual or small ensembles with specialist instructors from NECOM (New England Conservatorium of Music).
Fiddlers & Choral Club
Dedicated string students in Class 4-12 are welcome to join the Fiddlers Club, which meets every Monday after school to practise more complex ensemble music. Spanning Classes 5-12, this provides a wonderful opportunity for younger students to be mentored, and for experienced students to take on leadership roles.
For keen singers in Classes 5-12, we offer a Choral Club that meets every Thursday before school, giving students the chance to further develop their choral skills.
Both clubs offer a wonderful sense of community and support and regularly perform at school festivals and events.