Sloka, the Hyderabad Waldorf school has been an oasis set amid the backdrop of the unimaginative, stressful and result-driven education system in India. When anyone enters the school, they immediately sense that children are at the center of this learning community. Read a report by Nirmala Diaz, co-founder of the school.
As one of four Waldorf schools in Hyderabad, Sloka has been strengthening the spirit of Waldorf education for 27 years. From kindergarten to high school: We grew organically adding a new grade each year till we reached Grade 10. As awareness of this sensitivity in education grew, we decided to add parallel classes grade by grade. We now have over 125 kindergarteners and over 500 children in Grades 1-10.
Transformative Training
Our Waldorf Teacher Training – which began before Sloka started in 1997 – has evolved into the Sloka Steiner Waldorf Teacher Training programme (SSWTT), held on campus. We have now acquired new premises, next to the school, to conduct our trainings. Our teacher training is rooted in a deep conviction that Waldorf Education has to spread but in a way that is relevant for us in India. We spent years making the Waldorf Curriculum relevant to the Indian cultural and educational context. From writing and composing songs that celebrate Indian seasons and festivals to building the teaching of Indian languages (each of which have their own unique script). Sloka has also dovetailed the Waldorf Curriculum within the Indian educational context.
We also believe that a thriving school environment is key to quick learning of essentials in Waldorf Education. Our experienced teachers, who have been working closely with parents and children over the years, provide hands-on knowledge sharing, and classroom insights during trainings. Sloka teachers and other participants who attend these trainings have found it very transformative. We ensure that our training is accessible to all schools both through sponsorship and live streaming.
The result is seen in the way our children meet the world and perform in various elds. It’s that quality of inner condence and self-motivation that our children have, which has helped them to face whatever is required of them in this competitive society. There is an innate sense of justice, empathy, interest in the world, and love for learning that shines like a beacon. This attracts various agencies – private and government – who want to understand about Waldorf education’s age-appropriate approach.
Today Sloka is all set to start our first batch of Grade 11 in June 2024. The upper school will be housed in an ecologically-designed new building on the campus, led by a faculty of teachers.
We are very grateful to all the mentors who have visited our school and helped us in our journey.
Nirmala Diaz
Teacher wanted
As part of our SSWTT, Sloka would like to invite enthusiastic and dynamic teachers from India and abroad who would like to contribute their unique and practical perspectives on educating young adults. This is especially important to us as we are starting a new 11th grade programme.
We will host you during your stay, cover the cost of rights, accommodation and meals and pay you a stipend.
Here is a selection of the subjects we would like to cover in the coming year:
Sociology, Psychology, English, Political Science, Economics, Drama, Music, Art and Craft activities in the Sixth Form, Cyber Security or Etiquette for example.
We invite you to work with us to ensure that what we have envisioned for our young people takes shape in the future.
If you are interested or have any questions, please contact info @slokawaldorf.org.