Taruna College New Zealand is a centre for Adult Education offering an exciting range of formal and informal holistic courses and subjects inspired by the work of Rudolf Steiner PhD. such as: Waldorf Teacher Education, Biodynamic Organic Agriculture, Anthroposophical Nursing, Art of Health and Coaching and Biography Workshops.

The Content of the programme is based on the following themes:

•  Adult Learning Processes: “Taking myself on” as an adult learner; the metamorphosis of life processes in learning; thinking as spiritual activity leading to freedom; action research; soul hygiene exercises; the value of practice.
• Stages of Life: the evolving stages of childhood and life, and the implications that knowledge of reincarnation and karma has on education.
• Foundations of Waldorf Education: Rudolf Steiner's indications and practical advice for teachers and their transformation with time.
• Education as an Art: the teacher as an artist conducting the 'orchestra' of the class - celebrating the difference and harmony of children in the class.  The 'breathing' dynamic lesson.
• Curriculum: how various subjects, and how and when they are taught, can meet the developmental needs of children and affect their disposition towards health.
• Speech and Language: our most human attribute. The art of creating and telling stories in the classroom. Imaginative, descriptive, and instructional written and oral language.  Grammar as backbone.
• Classroom experience: 1 week observation and a 3-week teaching practicum with an experienced teacher in a Rudolf Steiner School. (Those enrolled as parents or for self-development will undertake a project during the practicum time.)
• Art in Education: promoting health of soul - artistic and craft activities for personal development and to develop skills for classroom use:
  * modelling / sculpture / woodcarving,
  * handwork, puppetry, spinning and weaving,
  * painting and drawing, form-drawing and geometry,
  * music (singing and recorder playing),
  * creative speech (storytelling, poetry and drama),
  * eurythmy and movement.
• Science: from phenomena to concept via observation and thinking, and so to theory, not vice versa.
• Anthropology and Physiology: the human being as soul, spirit and body; physical, etheric and astral bodies and ego; our relation to the mineral, plant and animal kingdoms. The organisation of the human being; childrens' constitutions, development and disorders, and nutrition; the role of the school doctor.
• Evolution of consciousness: as seen in history, art and music from the ancient civilisations to modern times.

At the start of the programme the Programme Handbook and Academic Guide will contain termly timetables and detailed description of Courses, and a list of assignments with due dates and performance and assessment criteria.

While at Taruna there will be daily tuition or practice of one or more Art or Craft.

There will be individual research assignments and presentations, group work, discussions, study and interaction. 

Participants are encouraged to compile a folio of resource materials throughout the programme.