Upper School Runs International Qualification |
Waldorf Early Years 'Stretches Childhood' |
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Did you know we have an Upper School for students aged 14 - 19 years which runs an internationally recognised qualification? Students can join at any point during the four year programme. For more information, contact our Admissions Manager, Asaka Barsley
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Our Kindergarten for children aged 3-6 years, allows children to learn through play and imitation. There are no screens, no formal 'lessons' and children can come home at lunch time each day when they are little. Book a tour to find out more about our unique approach.
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News
University Offers for Steiner StudentSDSS Upper School student, Declan Elsholtz is preparing to head off to university in September after receiving three offers to read English Literature with Creative Writing, with a further 'invitation to audition' this coming week.
Declan said "Being a Steiner Waldorf student has given me a unique 'edge' when applying to universities - I feel like I stood out because I have studied for the NZCSE (New Zealand Certificate of Steiner Education) qualification". Christine Cook, Head of the Upper School said "We couldn't be more proud of Declan. The University of East Anglia even took the unusual step of writing to him personally to acknowledge the exceptionally high quality of his work. He is a real ambassador for our course and our school". 
Fund Our ForgeWe are delighted to announce that we have now raised all funds required to fund our new forge!
Mark van Vliet and the students could not be more excited to get going! A huge thank you to our benefactors and those who donated to the GoFundMe appeal. We did it! 
Waldorf 100The Waldorf movement celebrates it's 100 year anniversary this year. Read more about our Waldorf 100 celebrations here or watch the two videos created for the occasion. They are a great to get an idea about Waldorf education and why we are so passionate about it!
Other News |
Welcome to our schoolSouth Devon Steiner School is a co-educational school catering for 3 to 19 year olds and which follows the Steiner Waldorf curriculum.
The school is situated in an idyllic location on 8 acres of grounds near Dartington in South Devon, nestled in the rolling hills on the doorstep of the Dartmoor National Park, surrounded by fields abundant with organic and biodynamic vegetables. We provide an interdisciplinary, theme-based and experiential approach to education which emphasises observation and personal involvement. We also relate the learning material to us as human beings thereby allowing a relationship to the world around us to unfold: a sense of belonging and being a part of the world emerges. The way we explore any subject matter allows children to understand concepts from the inside out through repeated experiences. This is also sometimes referred to as an inductive approach to learning. This is contrasted from the usual deductive method where, generally, concepts are presented and described and then confirmed with some examples. Children understand concepts through experienceThis way, we provide a dynamic learning environment where all students are encouraged to find and pursue their passions.
Our intelligent curriculum integrates ethical values with creative exploration and experiential learning in order to prepare students for university and the world of work, and put them on a path to self-discovery. We believe education is an act of transformation which we achieve by combining intellectually curious students with outstanding teachers in a programme that is both academically challenging and personally supportive: the results are a joy to behold. Students who come here are energised by learning. Through engaging classes, rich performing arts, community service, clubs, sports, and more, they find themselves and discover the world beyond college. Ultimately, this balanced approach allows our students to find joy in learning and inspiration to effect positive change in the world. They learn how to make a difference.
"THE FIRST TIME I ENTERED THE SCHOOL I HAD A STRONG FEELING OF COMING HOME"
This sentiment from a parent at the school is not unusual, and we've had many parents, children and visitors come through our gates who feel a sense of belonging, a sense that this place is different.
We have been around since 1981 when two enthusiastic teachers (Margot and Christopher Cooper) and a committed bunch of parents - with nothing but a dream and resolve - got together and started a school. From humble beginnings - one class of a handful of pupils - the school now has some 250 from early years through to class 11 (and soon to be class 12). At first glance, our school is not unusual. However, if you look deeper, you will probably notice a unique energy, commitment, and passion that runs throughout the core of the school and its community.
SOLVE THE RIDDLE IN EVERY CHILDA high school Maths teacher once remarked that the challenge of being a Steiner teacher is to solve the riddle in every child. This interpretation is supported by a Steiner-Waldorf curriculum which endeavours to enrich the lives of children, parents and teachers alike.
We aim to work with and develop this heritage in order to impart to our children values such as confidence, self-motivation, and creativity, an appetite for learning, an ability to work with others, practical skills, tolerance towards others and the ability to adapt and meet change enthusiastically. Main Lessons are presented in such a way that the children use all their senses to feel, think and experience the subject. This keeps children engaged, and engenders an enthusiasm for learning that lasts into adulthood. Overall the curriculum is broad, balancing academic with artistic and physical subjects such as Music, Art, Eurythmy (an expressive movement and performance art unique to Steiner education), Handwork, Wood- and Metalwork. LEARNING IN A STEINER SCHOOL IS A NON-COMPETITIVE ACTIVITYLearning in a Steiner school is a non-competitive activity. Reports are replaced by detailed evaluations of the child at the end of each school year. Tests are informal and exams are introduced in the Upper School.
The school journey at South Devon Steiner School is characterised by learning, team work, engagement, mindfulness, self-confidence, optimism and joy, resulting in confident, self-assured and creative young adults. If you'd like to know more about our school and to arrange a visit, please contact our Admissions department via email on admissions@steiner-south-devon.org, or call +44 (0) 1803 897 377. Our highest endeavour must be to develop free human beings who are able of themselves to impart purposeand direction to their lives. The need for imagination, a sense of truth, and a feeling of responsibility—these three forces are the very nerve of education. - Rudolf Steiner |
