The strong community nature of the school enables numerous social and cultural activities which add real value to the core elements of the curriculum. Regular celebrations, festivals, events and community gatherings are a feature of Camphill Communities worldwide. You can download a guide illustrating these events here. We host concerts, plays and other performances throughout the year. We do not consider these to be additional extras, but central building blocks for our community social and cultural experience. The seasons and the Christian festivals are given special attention, marked by preparation in house and school. These are joyful participatory events for all, with the main festivals and celebrations of the year being:

Michaelmas, celebrated on September 29th. This is our harvest festival, usually marked by courage games, building a harvest altar and sharing a communal meal.
Martinmas, on November 11th, celebrates the life of St. Martin, a soldier who transformed his life in order to serve others. This festival is marked by a colourful lantern walk; the children make their own lanterns.
Advent is a time of light, singing and preparation. The four Advent Sundays usually see the children being woken in the morning by a visiting choir.
St Nicholas, December 6th, sees a visit for the younger children by St Nicholas and his helper, Rupert.
At Christmas festival plays are presented by the classes and the co-workers during Advent time.
Candlemas Day, 2nd February, hints at the hope that spring will succeed winter sooner rather than later. Earth candles are lit to offer encouragement and hope.
Shrove Tuesday is a time of frivolity, marked by pancake races and our carnival. Everyone dresses up, the house groups prepare songs and dances and we share a supper and dance into the evening!
Easter is built up throughout the Holy Week: “beating the bounds” on Palm Sunday; silent supper on Maundy Thursday; caring for the grounds and seed sowing on Good Friday; celebrations on Easter Sunday.
St John’s Day, 24th June, is celebrated with a whole community play outside, plus bonfire and shared picnic.