Classes 9-10 (15 to 16 years)

The Upper School Steiner Curriculum is specifically designed to support the critical years of adolescence. It provides the opportunity for students to develop a broad knowledge base through philosophical, practical, technical and scientific inquiry, as well as preparing for GCSE and Open College Network examinations.

The Steiner Upper School Curriculum covers English, mathematics, art, literature, history, geography, anthropology, biology, physics, chemistry, French, German, drama, music, Eurythmy (creative movement) and craft. The curriculum and the teachers supporting it seek to equip the individual with powers of discernment and a critical mind whilst developing the student’s ability to judge and initiate creative decision-making faculties.

In addition to following the Steiner Curriculum, students are prepared for a maximum of 5 GCSEs. At present English, mathematics, art, French and German are offered. However, it is recognised that the narrowness of the GCSE syllabus does limit, rather than develop, judgement and creativity. The school therefore offers the minimum number of GCSEs required by further education colleges, which the large majority of students go on to attend.

In order to provide a recognised external validation of students' work that better fits the Steiner Curriculum, Steiner schools have recently developed links with the Open College Network. The Brighton Steiner School now offers Open College Network qualifications (OCNs) in Science and Humanities (which covers physics, chemistry, biology, geography, politics and history), Movement and Drama (which covers the drama curriculum, Eurthymy and games), Crafts (woodwork, metalwork and handwork) and ICT. The OCN certificates, which are accepted by all further education colleges, are based on internal and external assessment of coursework. They are graded from 1 to 5 with a level 3 being equal to a grade C GCSE and a level 1 being equal to an NVQ.

In the Upper School, the class is led by the class guardian, who acts in a facilitator role to support the transition from being in school to being active in the world. The guardian guides students in their personal, social and intellectual development in an open environment which nurtures mutual respect, responsibility and co-operation. The Steiner Curriculum and teaching methods are all aids to the student’s increasing self-awareness, confidence, sense of belonging and understanding of the necessary balance between freedom and responsibility. Life Skills classes and work experience further help students unlock and realise their own personal potential.