Pennine — part of the Camphill Movement

Hibernia House in winter sunshine

Pennine is part of the Camphill Movement.  The Camphill Movement creates community settings where children, young people and adults, many with learning disabilities, can live, learn and work together in an atmosphere of mutual co-operation, care and respect.

Camphill is inspired by Christian ideals put forward by the philosopher Rudolf Steiner and developed by Karl König, the founder of Camphill.  It is based on the spiritual uniqueness of each person, regardless of their differences.

Guiding Principles

Three guiding principles underpin life at Camphill communities. These are:

Painted eggs in the blossom at Easter
  • A cultural life encompassing education and learning, appreciation of the arts and music, concern for the land and the environment and the fostering of mutual understanding. There is an emphasis on on life being a continuous path of learning.
  • A community social life recognising the special qualities of each individual and the celebration the Christian festivals. Sharing in this brings everyone together as as equals in an atmosphere of mutual understanding.
  • An economic life in which work is carried out according to the needs of others. Personal needs are met by the resources of the community, irrespective of the nature of the work done.
Student weaving

At Pennine these approaches create the social environment in which the student’s education and development takes place. The students are members of the community in which everyone is treated with the same respect and dignity, and each participates in the life of the Community according to his or her possibilities. This participation engenders a sense of dignity and encourages a responsible and mature attitude towards life in the young person.

To find out more about the Camphill Movement, visit the Association of Camphill Communities at www.camphill.org.uk.