Centre for the Alexander Technique

Curriculum

Practical Work

The practical curriculum (over 80% of the course) involves a continuing, cumulative programme covering three basic themes each of which is developed progressively throughout the course:

1. The improvement of the student’s own self-awareness and use of themselves.

2. The study of specific procedures devised by Alexander and others.

3. The application of the student’s improved use of the self in particular to teaching others.

These require thorough understanding of Alexander’s basic concepts: recognition of wrong habits of use, the primary control, the unreliable nature of sensory appreciation, the processes of inhibition and direction and the nature of end-gaining and the means whereby.

Theoretical Aspects

Theoretical studies are undertaken to ensure an understanding of two more themes which, again, are developed throughout the course:

1. The study of FM Alexander’s works and other authors on the Alexander Technique.

2. Essential basic study of anatomy, physiology and related disciplines.

The Programme

The precise work carried out by each student is determined by their particular personal development. However, a there is a always a general progression along the following lines:

Year 1 consists largely of personal experiential work on self-awareness and improving the student’s own use of themselves on a daily basis. In addition there is study/discussion of FM Alexander's books and other authors as well as anatomy, physiology and related topics.

Year 2 continues the curriculum of the first year together with, in addition work with other students and visitors with guidance from teachers and senior students.

Year 3 continues the curriculum of previous years, as well as giving lessons to selected pupils under supervision.

Teaching methods

Teaching is mainly through individual practical work with the teachers. A teacher/student ratio of 1:5 ensures that each student receives some 30 minutes of individual work with experienced teachers each day. In addition there is seminar-type discussion of Alexander’s and other authors’ writing on the Technique. A course in anatomy, physiology and related disciplines completes the programme.

Students of all years are taught in the same teaching space, which enables the development of both teaching and observation skills independently of the experience of the student.

Students are required to undertake private study outside the scheduled class hours and some written work is required in order to provide evidence of an ability to present aspects of the Alexander Technique fluently in written form.

Assessment

Assessment is by continuous assessment from the teachers on the course and external moderation in the sixth and ninth terms. Provided this is satisfactory at the end of the ninth term the student is eligible for certification and membership of the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique (STAT).