From Nick Cave to Parzival: Steiner Education in a State High School

Ken Killeen recently retired after teaching for 20 years in the Steiner stream classes at Castlemaine Secondary College, Victoria. Ken is a professional artist with a deep vision of what Steiner education can offer to adolescents in particular, and the world in general. He tells the story of losing his faith, then finding it again as a fresh impulse which led to new initiatives including the founding of the Steiner stream. His connection with Steiner’s work from agriculture to education has spanned decades, and continues to inspire his work of carrying the students through the challenges of adolescence. He quotes Nick Cave’s advice to a seeking teenager: explore art, music, culture, and the sciences as broadly as possible and become a full human being before making the step into a particular vocation. The Parzival story underpins his own journey, from a feeling of ignorance and separation, to the bliss of sensing the numinous, the unity that underlies the material world. Ken’s message to teachers? Have reverence towards your students, gratitude for life, work together in your College of Teachers, stay fresh, and innovate! For more information about Steiner education: ⁠⁠https://steinereducation.edu.au/⁠⁠ For more information about locations and contact details of Steiner schools: ⁠⁠https://steinereducation.edu.au/schools/⁠⁠ Teacher education and professional learning: ⁠⁠https://steinereducation.edu.au/events/⁠⁠ Working in a Steiner school: ⁠⁠https://steinereducation.edu.au/jobs/#vacancies⁠⁠ Our facebook page is ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/steinereducationaustralia⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/steinereducationaustralia/⁠⁠ Podcast produced by: ⁠⁠⁠https://piccolopodcasts.com.au/ ⁠ The beautifully performed theme music ‘Libertango’ is played by Esther Abrami and Alexandra Whittingham. Esther’s website: ⁠⁠https://www.estherabrami.com/⁠⁠ Alexandra’s website: ⁠⁠https://www.alexandrawhittingham.com/⁠⁠