Our PSTE Method
Practical Skills Therapeutic Education
All students are taught and cared for through our research-based method of Practical Skills Therapeutic Education (PSTE). Practically applied principles, known as the Seven Fields of Practice, underpin PSTE and guide each student’s journey.
These are: genius loci (spirit of place), practical skills (craft), biodynamic ecology (farming), therapeutic education, holistic support and care, holistic medicine, and transformative leadership.
Find out more about the Seven Fields of Practice here.
Overcoming barriers to learning
Practical Skills Therapeutic Education and its Seven Fields of Practice were developed by Aonghus Gordon, drawing inspiration from the work of Rudolf Steiner (1861–1925), John Ruskin (1819–1900), and William Morris (1834–1896). The method is continually subject to research in our own Master’s degree validated by Huddersfield University, and doctoral partnerships with leading universities.
By immersing themselves in the curriculum, students can produce real, useful and beautiful things for themselves and others. They learn to care for their own wellbeing and development, and overcome their barriers to learning.
An immersive curriculum
Practical Skills Therapeutic Education (PSTE) offers a rich and varied curriculum, providing pupils and students with opportunities to engage in practical learning experiences that can have transformative effects. These experiences are designed not only to support therapeutic and developmental outcomes but also to contribute toward recognised qualifications and accredited learning pathways, where appropriate. These include:
- Arts
- Craft
- Social Enterprise
- Agriculture
- Festivals
- Living Skills
- Therapies
- Cultural Events
- Work Placements
Through these activities, learners develop essential skills and knowledge that support their personal growth, independence, and progression toward further education, employment, or supported living.
Contributing to the wider community
By providing students with the tools to transform their environment (land, food, craft materials, homes) they transform themselves. This enables students to learn to recognise themselves and contribute positively to society, which may be celebrated in cultural events and arts festivals throughout their community. Through social enterprise, students access and participate in contributing to the wider community.
Practical Skills Therapeutic Education also extends into the residential 24-hour curriculum through holistic care and support, contributing to and improving general wellbeing and health. For example, students produce craft and food items for their residential home, giving them the opportunity to see their work appreciated in their homes. Day students are also given opportunities to build up their home living skills and create items of service for their families to use.
Hand, head, heart and place
All students benefit from our seed-to-table curriculum, where they experience directly where their food comes from, encouraging healthy eating and social development.
At the heart of Ruskin Mill Trust is the principle that we transform materials – this may be in the home, the curriculum or through work experience. Through transforming materials, students participate in their own self-transformation, they develop their own capacity in which self-generated awareness is developed, supporting autonomy and the ability to contribute. Practical Skills Therapeutic Education uses the simple but profound model of hand, head, heart and place to explore how this benefits an individual’s development.