Survey of AlumniAre you a former Waldorf Steiner student?
Take part in our survey of alumni and their purposeful journeys into life. Steiner College Launched!Independent Steiner education now available from three-19 years with new internationally-recognised qualification
A new education college opened on Saturday 13 May 2017 in Dartington, Devon offering independent schooling for 16-19 year olds, based on the Steiner curriculum and a new University-recognised Steiner qualification. The South Devon Steiner College extends Steiner schooling from three to 19 at the South Devon Steiner School and provides an alternative route to University education based on Steiner teaching and the new NZ Certificate of Steiner Education. Kaycee Fordham, head of admissions, South Devon Steiner School, said: “The South Devon Steiner College will carefully balance academic, artistic, and practical activities to stimulate the imagination and prepare students for life. “Steiner education seeks to engage the whole student, developing well-rounded individuals with the ability to solve problems creatively and we are delighted that we can extend our offering to 16-19 year olds, alongside a clear route to University.” The NZ Certificate of Steiner Education was first developed in New Zealand and offers a rigorous alternative to GCSEs or A-levels for Steiner students as a Level 3 qualification, equivalent to the International Baccalaureate. Students benefit from extensive choice across disciplines including Humanities, Arts & Crafts, Sciences and Physical Education and will be assessed from Class 10 (16 years) against the new NZ Certificate of Steiner Education framework; they will be able to apply through UCAS to any UK and many international Universities. Dr Phil Wright, Geography and Maths teacher, South Devon Steiner College, said: “South Devon Steiner College has a range of highly experienced teachers who are all experts in their chosen fields. “A key element of our education is learning through practical experience and engagement with nature, which encourages students to develop an awareness of ecology and sustainability. If students learn in this way then it is always more meaningful. “We are deeply committed to the new Steiner college and look forward to taking students on a journey of academic achievement and self-discovery while stretching their imagination and developing new perspectives.” The South Devon Steiner College will have 80 places available for students with approximately 32 assisted places and five openings for international students. 13 teachers make up the college faculty, many with extensive Steiner teaching experience from across the world and advanced degrees including PHDs. Fordham added: “Students will learn from experts in their fields who encourage intellectual flexibility, independent judgment and moral courage to develop resilient, creative and responsible human beings who lead lives of purpose and direction. "None of us can predict what information our children will need to know twenty years from now, but we do know that to be successful they will need the ability to adapt as creative thinkers and problem-solvers. Our college will encourage young people to develop the highest human capacities and become citizens of the world." Please contact kaycee.fordham@steiner-south-devon.org to book your place. |
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 apart 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. This way, we provide a dynamic learning environment where all students are encouraged to find and pursue their passions.
Our challenging 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 CHILD A 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 ACTIVITY Learning 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. |
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