Pyrites – Living & Learning with Nature
Practical Skills Teacher Development Course (PSTDC)
Now Recruiting for
Jan 2026 > July 2027
Steiner Academy Hereford
BOOKINGS FOR JANUARY
NOW OPEN
PSTDC Information
Information
- Applications welcomed from teachers , Craft tutors & Parents from across the UK
- 7 Weekends spread over the year – Jan > July
- Starting Saturdays 8.30am & concluding Sundays 5pm
- All meals provided : Included
- Accommodation can be arranged at the school
Dates
- From Fleece to Felt: Jan
- From Skin to Leather: Feb
- Willow Basketry: March
- Green wood work: April
- Clay & Ceramics: May
- Blacksmithing: June
- Leaded Stained Glass: July
VENUES
Steiner Academy Hereford
Much Dewchurch
Hereford
HR2 8DL
COST For PSTDC
The cost of the PSTDC: £1500/person. Inclusive of all materials, food/meals for the weekend.
A deposit of £250 is required following submission of your PSTDC Application Form – you will be notified when to pay this.NB your deposit secures your reservation but is non-refundable; however, under certain circumstances, where attendance is not possible, your deposit may be deferred to your attending the following year’s course.
Missed workshops: Missed workshop weekends most be paid for however in the event of you missing a workshop weekend you have the option of attending in the following year.
FOOD
All teas/coffee & hot meals provided – using mostly organic produce. Dietary needs can be accommodated – see Application Form.
ACCOMMODATION:
Participants are welcome to stay in the Pavilion at the school (dormitory style). Those with campers can park in the carpark. I have a few local friends offering cheap B&B. If interested I can supply contact details.
We aim to have 12 participants 15 max, decided on a first come first serve basis. – but could run with 10 min.
If you are interested in taking up this opportunity, starting in Jan 2025 then please confirm by return email also with any questions you may have. You will, of course, be sent full programme details /seminars & Talks etc later.
If you require more information please email/write or phone – thanks:
Bernard Graves. Pyrites. Mayfield, 11 Bisley Road Stroud. Glos. GL5 1HE
Email: Bernard@pyrites.org
Tel: 07846 114768
PSTDC – Course Content & Overview
The PSTDC is aimed at all teachers, craft tutors, parents & individuals wishing to bring new elements of practical ‘experiential learning’ to their work.
Practical work & Skills provide 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
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.
The programme can be modified to suit the needs of individual orginisions; for instance therapeutic or Special Educational Needs providers.
The main objectives:
- 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.
EXAMPLE OF WEEKEND COURSE CONTENT – PRACTICAL ACTIVITIES & THEMES BASED ON A PREVIOUS COURSE RUN
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1) From Fleece to Felt
- Practical: Felting: From raw wool to dying to Felting: Frances Graves
- 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.
2) From Skin to Leather
- Practical: From Skin to Leather: Jeannie Ireland
- Saturday:Workshop – Meeting & Blessing of the Deer followed by Leather work.
- Theme: Movement Learning (Nimble Fingers begets Nimble Minds – Will Developed Intelligence)
- Sunday: Review with focus on Animal world and experience. Cross-curricular opportunities.
3) Hedgerow/ Willow Basketry
- Practical: Hedgerow & Willow Basketry: Bernard Graves
- Saturday: Theme: The Temperaments & Craft
- Sunday : Review with focus on The Plant kingdom. Introduction to unit ’Adolescence a Descent Into matter’ Research Project.
4) Greenwood work
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Practical: Green wood work: Matthew Graves
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Saturday: Theme: Adolescents a Descent Into Matter – human development or Helpers in work
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Sunday: Review of w/k with focus on The Plant Kingdom and cross-curricular opportunities.
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5) Clay work & Ceramics
- Practical:From Clay to Pots & Kiln building: Sam Makumba
- Saturday: Theme: The Educational Landscape
- Sunday: Review of w/k. Individual presentations of ideas & progress with craft related research.
6) Pit Forge & Blacksmithing
- Practical: Iron Age Pit Forge & Blacksmithing: Arian Leljak
- Saturday: Theme: Craft Gestures
- Sunday: Review of w/k with focus on The Mineral Kingdom.
7) Leaded Stained Glass: Johannes Steuck
Practical: Design & cut coloured glass to fit around a semi precious stone/s – mount using Leaded bead.
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.
NB The PSTDC is no longer accreditted
Participants are however encouraged to submit work by way of compiling a portfolio accreditation; of their work.This can go towards Personal & Professional Development.
Handouts will be provided so that participants do not need to take copies notes during the practical work.
A camera is recommended and is a useful way of documenting the practical activities.
NB. Weekend themes for discussion & Lecture on Sat evenings may evolve during the Course, please make suggestions, as the course is to serve your requirements and personal needs.