Pyrites - Living & Learning with Nature

Practical Skills Teacher Development Course (PSTDC)

Application forms:

  • Online Application for PSTDC
  • Download Brochure with Application PDF

    • Invite to sign up for Pyrites Accredited PSTDC 2011

  • Applications welcomed from teachers , Craft tutors & Parents from across the UK
  • 6 Weekends spread over the year 
  • Starling Friday 4pm > Concluding Sunday Lunch
  • All meals & Accommodation Included


    • Proposed start date January 2011 and concluding June 2011 
    (depending on receiving 12 Applications)

     

    Practical work provides many opportunities for cross-curricular learning as well as staff development. This course has been designed to support both areas in ways that promote resourcefulness in the context of a school’s grounds and landscape. 

    NB NEXT PSTDC RUN DATES - Similar to below - to be confirmed when next course run is fully subscribbed. 

    If starting in Jan 2011 Conclusion would be June 2011 

    Start date:

  • 1. 14th – 16th January 2011 - From Fleece to Felt
  • 2. 25th – 27th February 2011 - From Skin to Leather
  • 3. 18th – 20th March - Hedgerow Basketry
  • 4. 15th - 17th April 2011 - Greenwood work 
  • 5. 13th – 15th May - Clay work & Ceramics
  • 6. 10th – 12th Jun - Pit Forge & Black Smithing


    • Due to the practical nature of the PSTDC, participants have to be limited to a max of 12 persons and will be decided on a first come first serve basis. 

    COST:

    The Course will cost £1500. A deposit of £200 along with the PSTDC application secures a place. Application forms can be obtained from SWSF website: www.steinerwaldorf.org.uk - or by clicking here for the Online Application form. 

    The £1500 will include all course expenses, materials, food & dormitory style accommodation. 

    Potential applicants for the PSTDC are advised to seek sponsorship from there school/organisation's CPD budget.


    In order to start a new course January 2011 I would need to receive applications by end of December 2010 latest. 

    If you require more information and application form, please write or email to:

    Bernard Graves. Pyrites. Mayfield, 11 Bisley Road Stroud. Glos. GL5 1HE 
    Email: Bernard(at)pyrites.org
    Tel: 01453 767208

    NOTE: Please replace (at) with the @ symbol.

    The PSTDC is aimed at all teachers and craft tutors wishing to bring new elements of practical ‘experiential learning’ to their work. 

    AIMS: 

  • To offer an opportunity for re-development and re-deployment of skills already acquired.
  • To offer skills training in practical work and traditional crafts.
  • To show how craft gesture as an example of refined movement and practical skills supports the development and education of the child and young person.
  • Learning through making - Will Developed Intelligence & The Craft Gestures.
  • To demonstrate when and how experience can become effective learning.
  • To provide a new context for understanding school’s grounds and their use in developing a ‘practical skills’ curriculum relevant to the existing handwork/craft and related science and art domains; with special reference to Steiner Waldorf education.
  • To offer opportunities for curriculum development and the creation of an Outdoor Classroom & Practical Skills Curriculum.

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    The programme can be modified to suit the needs of individual orginisions; for instance therapeutic or Special Educational Needs providers. 

     

    The main objectives of the course are for a participant to:

  • Demonstrate competency in areas of Practical Education. 
  • Have a general knowledge of materials and practical skills related to a schools Practical Skills curriculum.
  • Show how an activity can be sustainably developed in a specific locality.
  • Carry out a practical project with a group of children.


    • Workshops and Themes NB Exact DATES TO BE CONFIRMED PENDING FULL COURSE

    1) 14th – 16th January 2011 - From Fleece to Felt

    Practical: Felting: From raw wool to dying to Felting: Frances Graves 
    Friday: Practical & Introductions, Course Induction & expectations of 
    participants. 
    Saturday: Theme: Education of the Senses out of the Environment. The hand as conveyor of experience & learning. 
    Sunday: Review of w/k with focus on Animal world. Induction to Log books & recording practical work. Setting home work on ‘The Hand’ 


    2) 25th – 27th February 2011 - From Skin to Leather

    Practical: From Skin to Leather: John Hagger 
    Friday: Contributions on the Hand 
    Saturday: Theme: Movement Learning (Will Developed Intelligence) 
    Sunday: Review with focus on Animal world and experience. Cross-curricular opportunities. 


    3) 18th – 20th March - Hedgerow Basketry

    Practical: Hedgerow & Willow Basketry: Bernard Graves 
    Friday : Review Log book/recoding of practical work. Building a Picture of ‘A Descent Into Matter’. 
    Saturday: Theme: The Temperaments & Craft 
    Sunday : Review with focus on The Plant kingdom. Introduction to unit ’Adolescence a Descent Into matter’ Research Project. 


    4) 15th - 17th April 2011 - Greenwood work 

    Practical: Practical: Friday: Green wood work: Richard Turley 
    Friday: Suggestions for assignment/s Research & Practical ie The hand as conveyor of experience & learning. 
    Saturday: Theme: Adolescents a Descent Into Matter- human development or Helpers in work 
    Sunday: Review of w/k with focus on The Plant Kingdom and cross-curricular opportunities. 


    5) 13th – 15th May - Clay work & Ceramics

    Clay work & Kiln building: Sam Makumba 

    Individual presentations of ideas & progress with craft related research 
    Assignment/s, Research & Practical ie The hand as conveyor of experience & learning. 
    Saturday: Theme: The Educational Landscape 
    Sunday: Review of w/k. Individual presentations of ideas & progress with craft related research. Set homework to next session’s theme. 


    6) 10th – 12th Jun - Pit Forge & Blacksmithing

    Practical: Iron Age Pit Forge & Blacksmithing: Arian Leljak 
    Friday: Individual presentations to: How does Craftwork activity influence a Human being
    Saturday: Theme: Craft Gestures 
    Sunday: Review of w/k with focus on The Mineral Kingdom. 

     

    Seminars & Lectures

    Wrapped around each of the weekend’s practical work are seminars, which assist with ‘reflection’ and ‘Understanding’ of personal experiences and the value of Crafts in support of human development. Lecture contributions will introduce fundamental aspects of the Study of Man arising out of Anthroposophy. Practical skills & the Waldorf Curriculum.

    OCN Accreditation

    The course is accredited through the Open College Network Level 3. 

    Participants can choose whether to submit course work by way of compiling a portfolio for accreditation; it is not a requirement but in some cases may be helpful to  Schools, Communities & individuals where professional accreditation is needed or anticipated. 

    Handouts will be provided so that participants do not need to take copies notes during the practical work.

    A cameral is recommended and  is a useful way of documenting the practical activities. 

    Participants will receive all the necessary OCN forms and course brief at the first meeting. 

     

    NB. Weekend themes for Friday night discussion & Lecture on Sat evenings may evolve during the Course, please make suggestions, as the course is to serve your requirements and personal needs.