Sophia Mundi Steiner School
| Sophia Mundi Steiner School | |
|---|---|
|
("Wisdom of the World") | |
| Location | |
|
Abbotsford, Victoria Australia | |
| Coordinates | 37°48′13″S 145°00′18″E / 37.803623°S 145.00505°ECoordinates: 37°48′13″S 145°00′18″E / 37.803623°S 145.00505°E |
| Information | |
| Type | Independent, IB World school, Co-educational |
| Denomination | Steiner School |
| Established | 1985 |
| Principal | Fiona Cock |
| Staff | 20 (full-time) |
| Enrolment | ~200 |
| Website | www.sophiamundi.vic.edu.au |
Sophia Mundi Steiner School is a school located in Abbotsford, Melbourne, Australia, that follows Rudolf Steiner's educational philosophy. Schools which follow Rudolf Steiner's theories are known as Steiner schools, or Waldorf schools. Sophia Mundi was founded in 1985 by a group of parents. Classes Prep to Year 12 are based in the St. Mary's building of the Abbotsford Convent complex. A Playgroup is also offered on site.
Name
The name "Sophia Mundi" ("Wisdom of the World") is a combination of the Greek word "sophia" (wisdom) and the Latin word "mundus" (world).
Facilities
The school is located in the Heritage listed St Marys building of the Abbotsford Convent artistic and historic precinct and overlooks a bend of the Yarra River and the Collingwood Children's Farm. The School site is located approximately 4 km from the Melbourne CBD and is well served by public transport (Bus and Train) and is on the main Yarra Bike Path.
In December 2011 the School was granted approval to build 4 classrooms and to convert a disused swimming pool into a playground and meeting area to replace facilities lost in the sale of the old Saint Joseph's Technical College site in Nicholoson Street Abbotsford by the Cathollic Diocese in Oct 2010 that was previously used by the schools senior school classes. These classrooms, and the associated community meeting area and playground were opened in August 2012.
Curriculum
Key subjects are taught in concentrated progressive three-week blocks (main lessons) so that the subject matter can be fully enjoyed, consolidated and digested. Drama, Art, Craft and Music are an integral part of the curriculum. Every child from Class 3 onwards learns a string instrument and participates in ensembles. The school supports the approach of Steiner Education Australia to create an ACARA endorsed Steiner curriculum for years 1-10 as an alternative to the Australian Curriculum, and plans to offer this curriculum now that it has been approved.
Senior School Curriculum from 2012
The school was granted World School Status in October 2011 by the International Baccalaureate Organisation to offer the IB Diploma from 2012 for years 11 and 12. The school became the third school to offer a combined Steiner and IB offering. The other two are Waldorfschoul Letzebuerg in Luxembourg and Colegio Internacional Rudolf Steiner in Ecuador. The first cohort of students graduated from the IB Diploma program in 2013. The school also plans to offer a Vocational program as an alternative to the IB Diploma for senior students. This will be designed to provide a flexible learning framework tailored by the school to meet the needs of students and the local community as well as the world beyond.
Senior School Curriculum to 2010
The school previously offered a combined ungraded VCE with a Steiner course for students in years 11 and 12 which included a year-long research project of their choosing.The senior offering was changed due to reduced demand for this Steiner/Ungraded VCE combined offering and to recognise the desire from Students and parents for a more predictable tertiary pathway than a case by case negotiated pathway.
Alumni
- Ashley Hart (model)