Project based work in traditional crafts – adapted from the curriculum developed by the Hiram Trust – provides a practical pre-vocational preparation for the specialised craft workshops. The projects include: hurdle making, sourcing and refining clay, felting, basket making, leather work, green wood working and forging.

Students have a weekly games session as well as a swimming lesson at the local leisure centre. Consistent with the ethos of the Mount, the programme is regarded as inherently therapeutic, and this aspect is strongly supported by the daily movement work of Bothmer gymnastics and Eurythmy (both drawing from the Steiner Waldorf curriculum).

Cultural and artistic activities (music, festivals, drama and painting) play a key role in providing a broad and balanced life experience. Numeracy and literacy work is integrated within project activities, and supported individually both within the formal and the extended (house based) curricula.

The final term consists of taster courses in a selection of available craft courses, when students decide which craft they wish to pursue for the following 2 years. The Mount Programme presently offers Open College Network-accredited courses in:

• Weaving
• Woodwork
• Pottery
• Organic / Bio-Dynamic Horticulture
• Cooking
• Baking
• Estate Skills

The first year ends in summer with a substantial drama production of the story of Parsifal, and a camping expedition.

The transition from childhood to adulthood is an important stage in the biography of every young person, a stage of exploration and facing questions such as:

• What does it mean to be an adult?
• What are my strengths and weaknesses?
• How can I shape my future?
• What can I do with the talents and ideals I have?

In addition to the young person’s own questions, the social environment has expectations. Not only do basic and life skills need to be gained, but responsibility towards oneself, one’s fellow human beings and surrounding world. The young person will be encouraged to take an interest in world affairs, cultural life, hobbies and nurture a philosophical / religious understanding of the world.

Students gain skills and experience while completing OCN units at their own pace, achieving credits at Entry Level, progressing to Level One and, in some cases, Level Two.

Each year of the College Course brings new opportunities and challenges.

Practical work is complemented with theoretical sessions that deepen students’ understanding of their craft.

Click here for details of our craft workshops

Graduates from the college course have the opportunity to enter the individually tailored Young Adult Programme building on the progress and achievments of the College Course, and is the most rewarding and life-changing for our students. Students remain in their known environment, refining and adding to their skills. This is invaluable in terms of expanding personal initiative and independence. . This year includes:

Work Experience: A placement in another Camphill or similar setting offers students a chance to transfer skills to an unknown situation, to make new friends and rely on their own inner resources, paving the way for their next step in life.

Biography Retreat: Over the course of a week, students share life stories - prepared earlier with parents – with their peers and co-workers. A reflective atmosphere of mutual respect nurtures new self-awareness, forges resolve for the future, giving voice and shape to hopes and ideals.

With a strong emphasis on social interaction and independent living skills, students take on greater responsibility in their household, the community and for the environment and are supported in tackling new situation.