Classes 9-10 (14 to 16 years)

The Steiner Upper School Curriculum covers geography, anthropology, biology, physics, chemistry, French, German, drama, music, Eurythmy (creative movement) and craft. It provides the opportunity for students to develop a broad knowledge base through philosophical, practical and scientific inquiry, as well as preparing for GCSE examinations.

To preserve the Steiner Curriculum students are prepared for a maximum of 6 GCSEs: English language, English literature, maths, French, German and art, with the possibility of music if learning an instrument.

Upper School science is taught by specialist science teachers with backgrounds in secondary and tertiary teaching. The wide range of science covered includes telecommunication, mechanical forces, organic and inorganic chemistry, human biology and embryology. Each Main Lesson is taught in great depth including biographies, historical development, ethical and moral issues. The main practical scientific skills are learnt in our well equipped, purpose built laboratory.

The emphasis during these lessons is to build a relationship with the subject matter as well as to encourage the processing, observation, analysis and conclusion of data along with safe working practices and flexible, creative thinking.

The work covered allows our students to go straight into AS and A level studies without the need for an exam in GCSE Science.

Getting the credentials needed for going on to the next stage of education is important but young people need much more than this. It is important to help them develop their own creativity and social skills and encourage them to take the initiative. This we achieve partly through engagement with the creative arts such as painting, woodwork, pottery, music and drama, and partly through the Main Lesson, where project work provides more scope for individual imagination than is usually possible in the narrow GCSE framework.

The Upper School Ethic

The Upper School Steiner Curriculum is specifically designed to support the critical years of adolescence. Lessons are now taught entirely by specialist subject teachers, one of whom - the class guardian - will be responsible for the pastoral care of the class. Students take leave of their class teacher, with whom they have developed for 8 years, and are encouraged to develop a different relationship with their teachers. The Steiner ethos of co-operation and mutual respect continues but now students must learn the balance between freedom and responsibility in order to take their place in the world with confidence and self-awareness. This vital move towards independence is nurtured in an open environment, which fosters self-discipline and seeks to avoid unnecessary battles for authority. The class guardian acts in a facilitator role, guiding students in their personal, social and intellectual development and encouraging them to develop their thinking power and capacity for judgement. The Steiner Curriculum and teaching methods support the students emerging self and sense of belonging and there are no problems with truancy.