In a Steiner school, the festivals are the heartbeat of school life. They are celebrated from parent and child group through to class 8. These festivals bring children and teachers, families and the wider community together at the cardinal points of the year: Christmas, Easter, Mayday, Whitsun, St. John’s Tide, Michaelmas and Martinmas.

Some of the festivals we celebrate are:

Michaelmas is the first festival of the school year at the beginning of autumn. Through the legends of St. Michael, conqueror of the dragon, we celebrate courage and strength of will. At Nant-y-Cwm we combine this festival with a celebration of thanks for the year’s harvest, which culminates in a harvest feast for the whole school.

The Advent Spiral takes place in our hall at the beginning of advent. The children walk around the moss spiral to light their candles. It is a festival of quiet reverence, of darkness slowly turning to light.

St John’s midsummer Festival on June 24th is a festival celebrated with stories, singing and games culminating in the lighting of the St John’s fire with flaming torches.

At the End of term festival, the children present plays, poems, and songs to parents and friends. This reflects the work of the children and teachers during each term.