Physical Education and sports are an essential part of the Waldorf curriculum, yet the approach to sports is fundamentally different from the way it is taught at conventional schools. Sporting activities are age-appropriate and match the child’s physical capabilities as well as emotional needs.
During the first seven years of life, children live in a world of fantasy and imagination. As Rudolf Steiner said, “Play is the work of the young child”. Free play and simple, non-competitive games that bring the joy of movement are all that are needed for the child’s healthy physical development.
After age nine and ten, the child changes, becoming less dreamy, more self-aware and independent, and athletics advance, along with the developing child. They begin to really practice, develop and master the skills involved in activities such as gymnastics and martial arts. These are activities that should be brought in a balanced way, not becoming too much of a focus, as a balanced, healthy family life should be a priority.
The age of twelve is the perfect time to start playing competitive sports. Adolescents tend to have a surplus of energy that needs to be channeled; at this age, teens can handle the competition, have the discipline necessary to belong to a team and possess the mental and physical capacities that playing a sport requires.
At Camellia, there are no try-outs, any student wanting to participate is given an opportunity to practice, play and excel. In the spirit of inclusion, all team members have equal opportunities to play and develop skills.
Afterschool Sports and Clubs offered at Camellia Waldorf School:
Fall Sports - Grades 6, 7 and 8
Coed Volleyball
Coed Flag Football
Fall Club - Grades 4 and 5
Soccer and Running Club
Winter Sports - Grades 6, 7, and 8
Boys Basketball
Girls Basketball
Winter Club - Grades 4 and 5
Coed Basketball
Spring Sports - Grades 6, 7 and 8
Coed Soccer
Spring Club - Grades 4 and 5
Unicycle Club
Circus Arts Club
To learn more about Camellia's athletics program, email frontdesk@camelliawaldorf.org