Froebelian Education

Our Froebelian ethos is fundamental to everything we do at Annan. It informs our planning, is central to the atmosphere in school and the relationships we value.

Froebelian education does not rely on specific materials, rather making use of the world around us. Learning is about acquiring knowledge, but also learning about life with everything set in the context of beauty. Froebel designed a series of beautiful wooden materials which he called gifts which younger children can use and we also value Froebelian occupations such as woodwork, sewing, clay and paper folding which enhance children’s creative thinking, resilience and practical abilities.

We support children’s learning through exploration, active learning and real-life experiences. We provide a curriculum which embodies Froebelian principles offering opportunities for wonder, exploration, excitement and collaborative purposeful learning. We provide a beautiful and stimulating environment in which learning can take place indoors and outdoors.

A Froebelian education values what Froebel called the ‘self-activity’ of the child. Children learn through worthwhile educational experiences, guided by adults. We recognise each child as an individual with an understanding that a child should be allowed to grow at his or her own pace. We value and celebrate each child’s achievements with genuine praise and appreciation educating children to believe in themselves and reach their own unique potential.

Learning through nature was a central part of Froebel’s philosophy. Outdoor Learning and Forest School are an integral part of school life for every child at Annan and these along with gardening and other activities develop children’s spirituality through regular opportunities for awe and wonder outside.

Relationships are really important to our ethos and we work hard to ensure children learn to respect each other, adults and the world around them.

Debby Hunter, School Principal, and Mark Hunter, School Director, are members of the Froebel Travelling Tutors Network and Mark Hunter currently sits on the Froebel Education Committee and runs the UK Froebel Teacher Network. Professor Tina Bruce, the UK’s leading Froebelian academic, has close links with the school and is Patron of the school’s supporter’s group “Friends of Annan School”.

Froebel Brochure

Click on the image to view the online version.

Froebel Poster

The Froebel trust have recently produced the following poster which illustrates how the principles of Froebel’s work are part of modern, mainstream early years educational practice. Click here or on the image to view a full screen PDF version.