Next phase
The next year, two more joined what was soon to become the Living Earth Training Course. The Living Earth Course combined biodynamic agriculture in a market garden with the craft curriculum sourced from the Arts and Crafts movement, the insights into human development provided by Rudolf Steiner and a commitment to responsible stewardship of the land for future generations.
This curriculum, the so-called Descent into Matter, accessed the four elements of Earth, Water, Air and Fire through the three Kingdoms of Nature:
Animal - leatherwork, felt-making and weaving
Plant - basketry, carving and green woodwork
Mineral - pottery, stone carving, stained glass and metalwork
Students boarded with local families, and received additional support through anthroposophic medicine and associated therapies. Crucially, students were constantly immersed in the commercial activities of the Mill: the small craft workshops, cafe and other retail outlets.
This braiding of practical education, home-making, commerce and environmental awareness gave them the unique therapeutic experience of transforming their environment into useful commodities, for exchange within the market economy.
This vision has remained at the heart of the Trust's work ever since.
This curriculum, the so-called Descent into Matter, accessed the four elements of Earth, Water, Air and Fire through the three Kingdoms of Nature:
Animal - leatherwork, felt-making and weaving
Plant - basketry, carving and green woodwork
Mineral - pottery, stone carving, stained glass and metalwork
Students boarded with local families, and received additional support through anthroposophic medicine and associated therapies. Crucially, students were constantly immersed in the commercial activities of the Mill: the small craft workshops, cafe and other retail outlets.
This braiding of practical education, home-making, commerce and environmental awareness gave them the unique therapeutic experience of transforming their environment into useful commodities, for exchange within the market economy.
This vision has remained at the heart of the Trust's work ever since.
