Hawthorn 12-13 years

Our Hawthorn group is a combined age range consisting of a Waldorf class 6/7, here the curriculum strives to stimulate the child’s growing curiosity about the world they live in. Whilst studying the natural sciences (Geography, Geology, Botany and Physics) the tutor directs the children's attention to the laws of natural phenomena. For example, in Physics, the group will look at gravity, magnetism, heat, light and sound.In Geography, the group explores the configurations and formations of the Earth’s layers and landmasses, focusing on Europe, her peoples and cultures. The Geology Main Lesson concentrates on discovering the substances and materials of land and studies the varied climates and vegetation round the world.In History, the children encounter the natural law of cause and effect and their thinking capacity is deepened by categorising subject matter which illustrates how the past can be seen as a meaningful process, leading up to the present day.The craft syllabus interweaves with the historical subjects through the creation of mosaics based on Roman relics; and the clay modelling of rock and land formations in Geography.Practical Business Mathematics is studied to help the children begin to understand how the world of business and finance works. The concepts of interest rates, percentages, discounts, exchange, V.A.T. and profit and loss are taught and practically applied as the children plan, produce and sell a product through their own business venture.English classes continue to build on the study of grammar with the focus moving to direct and indirect speech and verb tenses. The foundations of good essay writing are forged and then applied when describing physics experiments and writing synopses of historical accounts.