The Grove’s Ethos

The Grove Approach

The Grove is an integrative education project rooted in relationship, prioritising well-being, holistic learning and interconnectedness. 

Our Philosophy

Waldorf-Inspired Practice

Our practice will echo the phasal development of the human being as outlined in anthroposophy. It will focus on meeting head, heart and hands. We recognise and honour the deep relationships that form between mentor/ teacher/ tutor and child. Practice will be strengthened by the ongoing inner work of the teacher.

Active Spirituality
Spiritual openness underpins all we do. In practice, the team share a daily candle meditation, and we have a regular ‘fire practice’ of reflection, sharing and listening.

Community
We are a Grove community, part of a wider local community, part of several networks – Waldorf-inspired initiatives, IE network & Waldorf in Stroud

Our Programme

Purposeful

We focus on the development of skills. The use of Portfolio based qualifications enabling all to participate in ways that suit the individual. The programme includes interconnected processes such as growing food for lunch which is then cooked for others, fleece from sheep is carded, spun into yarn, used for doll-making & sold at a fair.

Land Orientated
Focusing on our relationship with the Earth, with biodynamic land practice including engagement in the different realms of nature– mineral/earth; plant; animal (we have a small flock of sheep and alpacas) and human

Place Situated
Bringing place into our curriculum through situating this within our locale within the seasonal calendar

Our Practice

Relational
Positive and rooted connection with ourselves, each other and the environment, including working through conflict

Facilitative
Phasal approach to develop agency:
For you, with you, by you, celebrating you doing, you lead others

Threshold-Orientated
We face challenges and accompany each other and the children and young people through what are sometimes uncomfortable moments of transition

Colleagueship
The team support each other on a deep level, we study, we check-in, we grow ourselves, we face challenge, we engage in training

What we are striving to gift children and young people with

We hope children and young people with us gain:

  • The inner qualities and appreciation for beauty, truth and goodness

  • Growing skills in artistic, practical, social, reflective and academic areas

  • Active inter-dependence and conflict resolution skills

  • Life affirming preparation for the future, feeding into the ‘deep truth’ of who they are