We had a wonderful display of crafts at our Midsummer festival: handwork (Class 1-8), woodwork (Class 6-8) and from the upper school: joinery, ceramics, metalwork, copper work, bookbinding, basketwork, stone carving and pottery.

In our school system, we are working with the idea that thinking develops out of movement and through activities like handwork and crafts, we wish to develop in the individual a living kind of thinking. In craft-work, thinking is tied to the hands –all practical work brings order and bestows order. A wrong idea or a faulty judgement when put into action in a workshop can have tangible consequences. Cause and effect are very much in evidence. Living logic is hidden in the processes of working with tools and materials. Craft-work actually supports the academic efforts, because the will is being used to awaken the head forces- and through human crafts and handwork we are educating the will. This then gives nourishment to the intellect. 

Rachel Masters

Bookbinding Teacher