Waldorf Steiner Schools

I am very much of the view that the rigidity of our state education system and the strait-jacket of the national curriculum has been to the detriment of education in the UK - particularly for the slower learners who just switch off and often become disruptive, and of the teachers whose freedom to use their professional judgement is curtailed

I do agree that childeen are often supposed to fit into the boxes designated for them and, if they don't, they 'have a problem' or 'need help' when what they might need is more understanding.

However, faced with a class of 30, that does create difficulties for the teacher.

nanna8 I think if you read the whole thread you will find that many things have changed, as they have in state education. The national curriculum has been disastrous in many areas of learning, especially in the arts. Our poor children start formal learning far too early. Ours at 4+yrs, compared to 6+ in Europe. Measure their attainments at 11 and the 6+ starters are way ahead after the benefits of experiencing kindergarten.
Steiner education seems to have adapted over the years to provide a good, all round, experience which, as many on this thread have pointed out, produces well rounded, thoughtful, achieving individuals.
I was a TA in a village primary and I’ve probably seen just about everything! State education is definitely not better, nor is it improving.

Although the children didn't learn to read until 6ish they did learn long poems which meant that by the time they were 12 they were performing Shakespear's plays. They started maths (in my son's case) by planting out gardens and building a little house..so a lot of the education was experiential, especially when they were little. Although there might have been a hippy impression with the parents, in fact the teachers were quite strict and the curriculum was very much adhered to. None of the philosophy believed by the teachers was passed on to the children and the parents had to read about for themselves if they wished.. It was a close knit community because the parents were so involved.. some of the schools struggled financially as, for example my son's class had 18 children and at the time parents paid what they could afford.. so many teachers were underpaid by state school standards... all the schools were different.. some were very expensive to attend. with regard to teachers wearing skirts..it was encouraged for kindergarten teachers to wear them because they told stories and the children huddled round and felt very secure..I don't think it was a rule just how it was explained tome 40 years ago.. and probably wouldn't be allowed nowadays cuddling children.. It was a wonderful experience as a parent and other parents are still my friends..

nanna8

There’s a Rudolf Steiner school near here. It is a bit ‘alternative’ but quite popular and has been there for many,many years. They don’t teach kids to read and write until they are quite old and there is a bit of fairly unusual philosophy taught. Arty kids would love it and they would thrive. A few friends sent their kids there back in the day when my kids were at high school. The ones I came across seemed happy and well adjusted but there were a few difficulties with University entrance then because the curriculum was different. Maybe that has changed,though.

The school I mentioned is in Australia and the anecdote is recent too.
Perhaps they're more alternative over there.

Funny that today I was speaking with a church friend who said she would not send her children to a state school these days and would home school as an alternative. She actually homeschooled her 4 children back in the 1980s and 90s. She is appalled by the current curriculum here that is forced on the schools unless you pay for private education. My children all went to different high schools - different personalities suited different schools. Only one went to a state school ( funnily enough, she is the most right wing leaning of the lot)

nanna8

Funny that today I was speaking with a church friend who said she would not send her children to a state school these days and would home school as an alternative. She actually homeschooled her 4 children back in the 1980s and 90s. She is appalled by the current curriculum here that is forced on the schools unless you pay for private education. My children all went to different high schools - different personalities suited different schools. Only one went to a state school ( funnily enough, she is the most right wing leaning of the lot)

Yes, I hear the same.
The curriculum in the private Catholic schools seems to be the same.

DD's friend and neighbour is homeschooling all hers.

This is an interesting discussion about the state of education now. It seems a huge shame that the government introduced the national curriculum with its retrograde, Gove-induced, public school influenced attitude to learning and flew in the face of the advice of teachers and education advisors who live in the real world of pupils of all abilities. How do we pull back from this and create a system that is truly inclusive and does not put less able children off learning completely?

How do we pull back from this and create a system that is truly inclusive and does not put less able children off learning completely?

And one where the most able are also developed and encouraged.

Indeed.

And university is the only laudable end goal

I think the Baccalaureate is a good idea - and looks as if it may be introduced.

www.theguardian.com/education/2023/sep/21/rishi-sunaks-planned-a-levels-reforms-could-include-baccalaureate

And university is the only laudable end goal - I presume that is not intended as a serious statement!

Oh no. I meant to sound ironic. Hard to convey in just writing. I'm sick of university being seen as the only successful outcome of school education.

yes, transfer to a state school is very difficult for a steiner pupil and sometimes, needs must. The steiner pupils I have met have been unable to cope with rough and tumble and competitiveness of real life

This cartoon says a lot to me

I know someone who took his son out of a Steiner school and sent him to the local state school partly because of the lack of rough and tumble and competitiveness. The boy is very sporty and not so artsy, it didn't suit him.

karmalady

yes, transfer to a state school is very difficult for a steiner pupil and sometimes, needs must. The steiner pupils I have met have been unable to cope with rough and tumble and competitiveness of real life

not true

I know only three children who have transferred out of Steiner - all without issues, karmalady. I doubt all children are like the ones you have met who have somehow been unable to cope with rough and tumble and competitiveness of real life.

My grandson for example! He would have rather stayed put - but the family moved country so, as you say, needs must.

I expect we all know children who are unable to cope with the (very) rough stuff and lack of personalisation at some regular schools.

Just saying.

I even know of someone who was expelled from a Steiner school. I think it was drug related. There was an absolute ban on drugs.

He went to the state school and got on alright.

Well, son and DIL (and young GS) have just FaceTimed to say they were very impressed with their visit to their local Steiner school, and GS is to start there in a couple of weeks.

There are Steiner schools in 90 different countries, they all follow a similar curriculum but have very different locations, some are in cities and many in the countryside.. obviously they don't suit every child but in my experience of 4 particular schools the children adjust really well to life outside and seem to be popular with other young people.. I hope StayAnna that your GS really enjoys his schooling..

Luckygirl3

*And university is the only laudable end goal* - I presume that is not intended as a serious statement!

It read like a follow-up to another post:

How do we pull back from this and create a system that is truly inclusive and does not put less able children off learning completely?

And university is the only laudable end goal

Other options should not be only available but desirable, every child valued and supported to reach their goals whatever they may be.

Children need to be shown different goals than just purely academic ones. The race to qualifications puts many off studying. There are so many other options eg apprenticeships, technical colleges, vocational qualifications of all sorts leading to satisfying employment. These need to be highlighted.

Aveline

Oh no. I meant to sound ironic. Hard to convey in just writing. I'm sick of university being seen as the only successful outcome of school education.

Hear hear with knobs on!

I didn't make it clear that I understood your post Aveline.