Emerson College Newsletter
Christmas 2012
Dear Friends,
Welcome to the new look Emerson College newsletter!
I wanted to take a moment to explain what the intention behind these newsletters is, and to say something about myself and why I am so happy to be working for Emerson again.
For some time we've been hearing about the challenges Emerson has been facing. I've experienced them, too. I was here full-time as a student and staff member from 2006 to 2010. At the time, despite the financial stresses, Emerson was full of life. Every day, there was a "miracle" of some kind. In 2010, I left Emerson for Sussex University to get my degree. So what makes me come back to help with publicity now, when I've got a history dissertation I should be thinking about?!
I think it's the same reason many people have fallen in love with Emerson over and over again through the years. Despite the crises and drama, here at Emerson there is a group of people who are pouring their hearts and souls into making a difference in the world. They might disagree sometimes about how, or why, but they do not give up and they do not stop asking how they can be better people and work together more productively.
There are still miracles every day.
I've taken on the task of finding some of those miracles and sharing them with you all, to remind you of the wonderful experiences we have all had here, and to reassure you that they still continue today. Emerson is much more than any individual teacher or student or administrator. It lives in the spirit of this place and reveals itself in the smallest detail of life. Warm apple crumble after a day of leaf-raking with your coursemates, hearing a story that causes you to pause and reflect, meeting a difficult relationship with renewed integrity and desire to understand. This work continues—thrives even—on Pixton Hill.
Things are beginning to change at Emerson. You will see below some of the reasons why I believe I have made the choice to help here. We will be making more announcements over the coming months which I hope will show you even further.
So please, if you have friends, children, husbands, wives, grandparents, lovers, great-nieces or next-door neighbours who are looking for a little Emerson magic (even if they don't know it yet!), you can send them here confident that they will come away enriched and inspired as so many generations of students have before.
That is what these newsletters are for, and that is why I am so happy to be in this cosy office right now, watching the rain fall on Pixton.
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Joyful New Year,
With warm wishes and lots of love to you all,
Matt Blissett
Editor
p.s. Don't forget our Christmas & Holy Nights events are coming up soon! If you can make it, we'd love to see you. Check our website for more details: http://www.emerson.org.uk/christmas_retreat/
Open Forum
Students and staff met twice this term to discuss their experiences, hopes and dreams for Emerson College.
Martinmas
November 11th saw a beautiful Martinmas procession around campus by students and local families.
Leaf Day!
Emerson's staff and students gathered two weeks ago for the time-honoured traditional leaf-raking day along the driveway, followed by apple crumble!
New Gap Year Course for 18-25 year olds!
Emerson will once again be running a full-time course for 18-25 year olds who are looking for meaning and purpose in their lives.
A committed group has been set up to develop and run the course and they are in the midst of creating a detailed curriculum, which will be published by March 2013, ready for the course (which will last one academic year) to begin in September 2013.
If you, or someone you know, would be interested in hearing more details about this course as they become available, please fill in the (very short!) form on our website: http://www.emerson.org.uk/full-time_courses/catching-fire/
If you have any questions at all, please get in touch with the course organiser, Deborah Ravetz: gapyear@deborahravetz.org
“It’s My Life!” 2013
The ‘It’s My Life’ course runs for six months each year from January until the end of June, and is suitable for all ages, 19-70 years. The programme is designed to educate through a balance of head, heart and hand, developing artistic skills in painting, drawing, creative writing, drama and puppetry; and exploring life’s patterns and possibilities through social-biographical work.
Our theme this year (2013), focussing on the twelve senses, will deepen a healthy and integrated self-awareness of body, soul and spirit. A team of lively, experienced and supportive tutors provides in-depth professional content to an enriching and enjoyable life-enhancing programme.
The course duration (6 months) allows overseas students to attend on a student visitor visa, which is readily available and an uncomplicated procedure to obtain in most countries. The course also involves a popular ‘Open Door’ policy which enables local people to attend on a part-time, weekly basis. ‘It’s My Life’ is one of Emerson’s new courses, now in its second year, steadily growing and developing its identity.
Angela Lord
Tutor and course co-ordinator
For bookings, contact us at bookings@emerson.org.uk
Roswitha Spence's "Clothing the Play" is released!
Describing the art and craft of stage design, Roswitha has gathered her expertise from decades of costuming and producing plays into this book. With over 220 full-colour illustrations, this book will be valued by everyone who longs to have guidance at a practical level which is inspired by a deeper vision.
In whatever circumstances individuals may find themselves working with colour, texture and style in set, costume and lighting, this book will prove enjoyable and useful to all with an interest in theatre.
If you would like to order a copy, or you would like to congratulate Roswitha, you can get in touch at her email address: mdspence@tinyworld.co.uk
The First Three Years training
Rudolf Steiner's understandings and the creative and health promoting educational approach of Waldorf pedagogy are offered with the insights from the Pikler Institute and up-to date research into child development and attachment. The course will provide an enlightening, confidence building, practical and self-transforming journey, supported in the warmth of group experience. The training will serve as a preparation for working in a variety of existing settings and pioneering new initiatives - either as Parent and Child group leaders, childminders, nannies, play group workers and carers in sessional day care. The training would also be suitable for parents, parents to be and grandparents.
The training course will be based at Rudolf Steiner House, London and Emerson College and if it goes ahead, it is envisaged that it will commence next autumn 2013 or early 2014. Please contact Emerson directly—info@emerson.org.uk—to register your interest and receive more information.
Anthroposophical Health Care Courses coming to Emerson College
Emerson College and AHCET (Anthroposophic Health Care Education and Training) are collaborating to provide Health Care Courses, open to registered nurses and carers, which are under consideration, hoping to start in Autumn term 2013.
AHCET was founded in 2009 by a group of Anthroposophic nurses with a background in training in Camphill and Park Attwood Clinic in response to growing requests from students and their employers for further development of the courses which they were then running to provide state accreditation. All the tutors are state registered nurses (RN) and Anthroposophic Nurse Specialists (ANS). Crossfields Institute provided guidance towards gaining accreditation by Edexcel, a recognised provider of accreditation for vocational courses world wide.
AHCET aims to provide an inspiring and professional training in anthroposophic health care to nurses and carers who wish to deepen their understanding of the role of the caregiver. The intention is to extend and enrich caring in practical, conceptual and spiritual ways. The programme is in itself a process of self-development and leads to a Diploma in Anthroposophic Health Care recognised by Edexcel, IFAN and CAHSC. By delivering the courses in Emerson College it will benefit from their facilities and administrative support in beautiful surroundings.
The courses would consist of a five-day Introductory Module followed by a Foundation course of six five-day modules, delivered as three modules per year over two years. Advanced specialist modules would be available for those who successfully complete the Foundation Course.
Contact us at info@emerson.org.uk for more details or to register your interest.
Business management classes in the second year of the biodynamic course
The students in the second year of the biodynamic training have just finished a short course in business management, taught by the main course leader Arjen Huese. A biodynamic farmer or grower isn't just responsible for the spiritual and ecological sustainability of their farm or garden, but also needs to make sure that the business is run in a way that ensures the long-term viability. During the course the students were made familiar with the standard concepts of supply chain management, market research and the importance of physical and financial records.
At the end of the course they were set the task to optimise an existing business. All the physical and financial records of Wealden Flowers, Arjen's cut flower business, were scrutinised and some very useful advice has come back to the grower! Arjen would be better off getting rid of his old van and buying a more fuel-efficient vehicle as well as some more polytunnels. He should also produce a lot more antirrhinums (snapdragons) and start making and selling ready-made organic and biodynamic bouquets through the internet...
The second year students will graduate in March and most of them will then be in a position to apply their new-found knowledge in their own work environment.
Goodbye to the Storytellers!
A huge thank you to all of you—teachers and students alike—for bringing such joy and mystery onto our campus!
Of course there are plenty more Storytelling courses coming up in the coming months—you can find more details on the School of Storytelling website here: http://www.schoolofstorytelling.com
January Events at Emerson College
Human Nutrition
with Ian Bell, Biodynamics Course Co-Carrier and Wendy Cook, author, renowned biodynamic cook and nutrition expert.
Learn about human nutrition with classes from Ian and practical demonstrations with Wendy in the Emerson kitchens!
Advanced bookings only—please contact us for more details! +44 (0)1342 822 238 or email: bookings@emerson.org.uk
Monday, Jan 7, 2013, 08:30 AM
Emerson College, Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5JX, United Kingdom
Sunday Concert
For more details about this event, please contact the organiser, Robert Lord, directly: robert@colouradvice.com
Sunday, Jan 20, 2013, 03:00 PM
Emerson College RH18 5JX, United Kingdom
Self-Development for Parents: Understanding the years from 9-21
This session will explore the awakening of the individuality of the child and adolescent. Click here for more details.
Advanced bookings only, please contact us for bookings on +44 (0)1342 822 238 or email bookings@emerson.org.uk
Saturday, Jan 26, 2013, 10:00 AM
Emerson College RH18 5JX, United Kingdom
Parenting Workshop: Understanding Children from 7-14
In this session we will find out more about children’s need for affirmation and recognition, the importance of valuing their creativity, their questions; of containing and guiding children. Click here for more details.
Advanced bookings only, please contact us for bookings on +44 (0)1342 822 238 or email: bookings@emerson.org.uk
Sunday, Jan 27, 2013, 10:00 AM
Emerson College RH18 5JX, UK
Build a Sun Hive
Learn to build a Sun Hive with the Natural Beekeeping Trust!
The course costs £140, this price includes organic lunch & refreshments. There will be an additional charge of £100 for materials. Click here for more details.
Advanced bookings only, please contact us for bookings on +44 (0)1342 822 238 or email: bookings@emerson.org.uk
Saturday, Jan 26, 2013, 09:00 AM
Emerson College RH18 5JX, United Kingdom
Poets' Corner
Exploring poetry and creative writing, on Monday evenings, over the course of 5 weeks. This course will cost £30, or £6/session.
Monday, Jan 28, 2013, 07:30 PM
Emerson College RH18 5JX, United Kingdom
Contact Us!
Email: info@emerson.org.uk
Website: www.emerson.org.uk
Location: Emerson College, Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5JX, UK
Phone: +44 (0)1342 822 238
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Emerson-College-UK/41209779902
Twitter: @EmersonVillage