2017/2018 : Year of The Linen Project
De vlasoogst (1904)
("Flax harvesting") Emile Claus Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Belgium, Brussels, Belgium 
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FLAX IN FLOWER,
ALFA GROUNDS AUGUST 2017
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So far this year our ALFA students have harvested the flax planted earlier by their parents and teachers, then processed the fibres using traditional methods and tools they made themselves, spun the fibre into linen, and dyed and wove it into cloth to make a backdrop for their drama production later in the year. They have studied the history of the linen industry in Ireland - a prism through which to view the whole story of political and cultural conflict and transformation over the centuries. They will use what they have experienced and learned as the material for an original drama to be performed in various venues around Easter 2018. Supported by County Clare's Creative Ireland Programme. |
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Raheen Wood Steiner Secondary School, home of ALFA, provides a full-time, progressive education for 12-16 year olds in East Clare. This is one of very few settings in the Republic to provide a radical alternative to the mainstream Junior Cycle. The team of experienced teachers, tutors and artisans offers an authentic, project-based learning programme that develops the hands, hearts and minds of our students. They develop key 21st century skills such as collaboration, communication, problem-solving and critical thinking. With a programme grounded in the internationally regarded principles of Steiner Waldorf education, we explore subjects in depth for blocks of 3-4 weeks through a two-hour morning main lesson. Learning is integrated and experiential, with themes that address the Sciences, History, Geology and Geography, English, Maths and Art History. Additional lessons in Maths, English, Irish, French, Art and PE supplement the main lessons in the weekly timetable. Additionally, artisans and specialist tutors offer hands-on afternoon workshops in a variety of crafts which have included, over the years, blacksmithing, woodwork, ceramics, rustic furniture making, stained glass, bookbinding, wood carving, wool felting, basket weaving, marionette and shadow puppetry, drama - and more. Raheen Wood Steiner Secondary School/ALFA is an activity of Ard Aoibhinn Community Initiatives Ltd. Registration number 352829 Registered Charity No. 14535 |