Our Ethos
The education provided at Erasmus Primary School is based on a classical approach that speaks to both the intellect and the character of its students. It is aimed at developing the whole child – Body, Mind, Heart and Spirit.
A strong academic offering accompanied by a focus on laying the foundations of a child’s character is seen as essential in the primary years when the child is most receptive. Simple practices that develop the capacity for both paying attention and expanding awareness are part of the daily routine of school life. These practices support physical, mental, emotional and spiritual development.
We use the finest materials: fine music, art, literature, sacred geometry, needlework, poetry and drama; stories of virtuous characters from history and the present day; wisdom drawn from a variety of spiritual and philosophical traditions.
A fundamental reference point is the daily practice of the four Platonic ‘master’ virtues of wisdom, courage, justice and temperance. We encourage and cultivate respect for one another and the development of personal responsibility and accountability.
The approach is holistic. Our carefully designed curriculum aims to develop all four aspects of the being. That nourishment is provided through:
BODY
- Encouragement and support for physical exercise, competition and sportsmanship.
- Nourishment of the body with quality food served daily to the whole school sitting down together to morning tea and lunch.
- A spirit of service in daily school life.
MIND
- Cultivation of a spirit of enquiry in all subjects.
- A thorough, systematic grounding in all subjects, including English, Mathematics, Scripture and Philosophy, Science, Health and Physical Education, History and Geography.
- Classical languages, specifically Sanskrit, with Latin as an optional extra-curricular activity.
HEART
- Learning and reciting beautiful texts by heart.
- Practice in the giving of fine attention
- Cultivation of stillness
- Singing
- Needlework
- Geometry
- Service
SPIRIT
- Meditation offered from age 10.
- Classes in Practical Philosophy, for both staff and students, that inspire a love of wisdom and a willingness to explore the deeper questions of life.
- Exposure to a variety of sacred and philosophical literature
- Sacred celebrations from various traditions
These divisions are vitally interconnected. When one is nourished, the whole being is nourished.
- Practices that support the child’s capacity for stillness and presence of mind.
- Daily practise of the four Platonic ‘master’ virtues of wisdom, courage, justice and temperance, building strength of character.
- The use of the finest materials: fine music, art, literature, sacred geometry, needlework, poetry and drama; stories of virtuous characters from history and the present day; wisdom drawn from a variety of spiritual and philosophical traditions.
- Respect for one another, and for authority, in order to develop personal responsibility and accountability.
- Supportive partnerships between school and home.