News and Events

Oakens- Michaelmas Apple Pressing

In the Steiner community, Michaelmas is a time of year rich with meaning and symbolism, marking the turning of the seasons as the warmth of summer gives way to autumn’s golden hues. Celebrated near the autumn equinox, Michaelmas draws upon the story of Saint Michael, the archangel who conquers the dragon, as a metaphor for courage, willpower, and the triumph of light over darkness. This festival encourages us to reflect on our inner strength and prepare to meet the challenges of the colder, darker months ahead with resilience and determination.

Apple pressing has become a cherished part of this seasonal celebration. As the trees offer their abundant harvest, the act of pressing apples reminds us of the gratitude and joy in receiving nature’s gifts. It also serves as a tangible way for children and families to connect with the rhythms of the earth, witnessing how effort and care transform the bounty of the land into something sweet and sustaining.

Together, Michaelmas and apple pressing provide a beautiful balance of inner and outer work—encouraging us to nurture qualities of courage and gratitude while celebrating the fruits of the earth. Within the Steiner tradition, this pairing deepens our connection to the cycles of nature, reminding us to approach each season with mindfulness, reverence, and community spirit.

Oakens – Shut The Box

The Oakens very proudly brought home their home made versions of the ‘Shut The Box game, complete with carry pouches to make them fully mobile so they can practice their number bonds on the go! The goal of Shut the Box is to close as many numbered tiles (or “shutters”) as possible by rolling dice and using their combined total to match and “shut” the numbers on the board. The lower your score at the end of the game, the better. This project combined woodwork, sewing and maths!

Oakens – The Garden

The Oakens moved to a new venue in September and have been making the most of all the new found space. They now have their own enclosed garden area for growing which is also a great space for whittling. They brought some potatoes in tubs with them from their last venue and enjoyed cooking them on the fire and sharing them with their friends.

Discoveries – Summer Camp

The Discoveries packed their bags and set off for the Wye Valley for 2 nights. They were able to enjoy a stargazing walk, watersports and orienteering during their time there. Plus lots of time for stories and hanging out by the fire. The trip was supported by tutor Tom and some parents. All enjoyed the bunk house with no roof!

Voyagers – Chess

Irving Chernev once said, “Every chess master was once a beginner.” A game of strategy, it was known as “the royal game” from about the 15th century in Europe as it was quite popular amongst the nobility. Nowadays many from all walks of life around the world enjoy the game, including the Voyagers who have crafted their own personal chess set.

The Voyagers started by sanding down their circular wooden boards, then accurately measured out the board grid with their rulers, before painting the alternate coloured squares.

Next they had to make the chess pieces out of clay, observing the differences between each type of piece and modelling their own miniature versions. This came with its own challenges with the brittleness of the material drying too quickly. Some had to remake a few pieces, learning a bit about using the medium of clay. Afterwards an origami box was created to keep the pieces together neatly.

For an added touch, the Voyagers hammered nails on the other side of the board to help them with their times tables. Evenly spaced in a 10 pointed star formation, the string can be moved around the nails to visually see unique patterns in each times table. With the equipment all made, the next step was to understand how to play the game, so the Voyagers wrote their own instruction manual.

Finally all that was left was to enjoy playing the game with each other!