Course description

​

The Abiding Heart Education™ is a new approach to education that rests on a contemplative view of the interdependence nature of being. Fusing contemplative traditions worldview, meditation and application with Steiner/Waldorf methodology and developmental science we have created a unique children’s transformative experiential pedagogy that gives equal weight to the intellectual (head) affective (heart), and action (doing) domains. This new approach places the emphasis on developing wisdom and compassion that is to be lived in the class and in our personal life. Trainees will gain a good balance of theory and practical knowledge in teaching that is grounded in transformative experiential Buddhism thus fostering their continuing inner development.

​

The curriculum draws deeply on the live contemplative traditions which emphasises applying the knowledge acquired in everyday experience in order to nurture an ongoing transformation. Students develop practical teaching skills based on child development theory and gain experience in creating teaching and learning resources in preparation for school placements and embarking on life as an Abiding Heart Education™ teacher. At the core of this two-year course is the practice of letting our minds rest, our hands create, and our hearts rejoice. The sense of wonder that nurtures young children is a capacity we all have, and although it may not always flourish in adulthood, we can reconnect with it and deepen our experience.

​

The course will empower primary teachers with the knowledge, skills, and understanding to create a nurturing and stimulating learning environment in order to support child development. Evidence shows that experiences of such positive learning environments support the development of self-esteem and confidence and increase the likelihood of children continuing in education. 

​

Students will receive a theoretical and practical understanding of primary education based on Abiding Heart Education’s Transformative Experiential contemplative learning approach.We will also include many elements of the cultural heritage of the local culture to demonstrate how the curriculum can be adapted to a specific culture. Teachers from other regions will learn how to integrate their own culture, language, and tradition into this education approach and curriculum. The course content includes:

• The Abiding Heart’s transformative experiential contemplative studies, which includes an engaging and life-changing study of philosophy, ancient wisdoms, awareness and mindfulness, insight meditation, and application in everyday life;

• The Abiding Heart’s unique child development studies from birth to rebirth, bringing together with contemplative science and psychology; together with developmental science, neuroscience, and Steiner's transformative experiential philosophy of education;

• The Abiding Heart Education Learning Approach: contemplative pedagogy, the transformative learning approach of Steiner and other contemporary philosophies of education leading to the understanding of the components of the Abiding Heart Education™ transformative experiential contemplative learning approach;

• Transformative experiential curriculum studies content and application for primary (class1-8);

• Transformative experiential contemplative curriculum studies content and application for primary (class 1-8); 

• Curriculum development and lesson planning;   

• From an unhealthy self towards a healthy self: Safeguarding and nurturing the wellbeing (physical, emotional and mental) of children with loving kindness, compassion and wisdom in mind;

• The compassionate wholesome practice of school organisation, management, and community building; working with parents

• Local heritage arts, such as painting, carving, and dance;

• Regional and global heritage arts as part of personal development

• Contemplative experiential artistic visual arts, such as drawing, painting, clay modelling, woodcarving, and stone carving; 

• Contemplative movement and dance

• Handwork: local heritage and pedagogical.                      

• Teaching placements in primary schools. 

​​​​

This is a 3-year course and consists of a total of six semesters with 2 semesters in each year: 

• Winter/Spring Semester 

• Summer/Autumn Semester

​

​Students taking this training are required to attend all modules to receive a Teaching Diploma in the Abiding Heart Education™ approach. 

​

New students must join the course during the winter/spring semester. 

​​

​

Tuition Fees:

• Monthly instalments of £333 for 36 months (36 payments) or

• Bi-annual (every 6 months) instalments of £2,000 for 3 years (6 payments x £2,000) or

• An annual payment of £4,000 for 3 years (3 payments x £4,000)

Additional processing fees apply. 

​​

Students are asked to cover the cost of arts and crafts materials independently. 

If you need further information or wish to apply for this course and receive the application pack, please contact admissions: admissions@abidingheart.education or use our admissions inquiry form.