Foundation of School
Inspiration
The Erasmus School is inspired by the work of the Melbourne School of
Philosophy which is directly affiliated with the London School of Economic
Science, the founders in 1975 of the St James Independent Schools in
London. The Erasmus School is modelled after the St James
Independent Schools and is affiliated
with similar schools across the world.
Established in Melbourne in 1977, the School of Philosophy
offers courses in practical philosophy based on the great teachings
of past and present, and examines how these teachings can help
students to realise their own potential and to understand their own
nature.
Erasmus School is named after Desiderius Erasmus, 1466-1536,
considered one of the greatest European scholars of the 1500s.
Erasmus held great faith in the power of education, believing that
human nature could be shaped to draw out the virtuous qualities
within each child.
Beginnings of Erasmus School
Concern about declining standards and the breakdown of
discipline in schools prompted parents in the School of Philosophy
to seek an education which would bring out the finest qualities in
their children. For some years, a Teacher's Group within the School
studied the principles of education. The endeavours of this group,
which included a study of the works of Plato and of the ancient
Vedic principles, gave the teachers a fresh insight into the true
nature of education and a commitment to providing a truthful,
caring and disciplined education.
In 1995 it was decided to open a primary school which would be
staffed by teachers from the Teacher's Group and would be open to
all interested parents from both the School of Philosophy and the
wider community. The school opened in January 1996.
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