Parents who disapprove of SATS exams for their children may be interested to learn more about the philosophy of Steiner education which is fundamentally against using tests and exams to prove academic competency below 15 years old.
Hot on the heels of the recent SATS parent boycott, our school has its Open Day this coming Saturday 14 May which presents the ideal opportunity for anyone interested in an alternative schooling option to ask questions and meet parents who have chosen education for their children outside of the mainstream.
School Administrator, Marcus Link, says that Steiner (also known as Waldorf) education, based on the work and philosophy of Anthroposophist, Rudolf Steiner, holds the belief that standardised testing is not a true reflection of a child's knowledge, mental flexibility or ability to learn.
"Tests and exams are only introduced in the upper school at age 15 in our school. Instead of standardised testing in the primary and senior school, each child receives full assessment at the end of each year comprising comprehensive narrative reviews of work, competence and challenges from all subject teachers as well as the class teacher. Parents meetings are held every term to discuss general issues within the class as well as the what is happening in the curriculum and how children are progressing as a group. Teachers also maintain close contact with parents throughout the year, highlighting academic or emotional areas that need attention.
"Steiner education is concerned with educating the whole child in a nurturing way, so the curriculum is carefully designed to meet the child at whatever stage he is at. Tests and exams, particularly at around age 7, are not an accurate reflection of anything other than prematurely and erroneously typecasting children, placing them under unnecessary pressure and restricting the child's ability to develop at their own pace in an age appropriate way.
“By avoiding unnecessary testing, the Steiner curriculum allows the child to experience learning as a joy, as they recognise their own capacities and abilities unfolding in an environment which nurtures the head, heart and hands.”
Link continues : “ As the young person approaches the Upper School, the curriculum becomes ever broader and more rigorous, incorporating the sciences, the humanities and the arts and crafts. With the solid foundation and love of learning engendered in their childhood, our older students approach exams with self confidence.”
Open Day starts at 10.30am til 2pm and the public are warmly invited to look at displays of the children's work, try their hand at some arts and crafts offered as part of the curriculum, and enjoy some delicious refreshments at the student cafe.
For more information, call 01803 897 377.
Hot on the heels of the recent SATS parent boycott, our school has its Open Day this coming Saturday 14 May which presents the ideal opportunity for anyone interested in an alternative schooling option to ask questions and meet parents who have chosen education for their children outside of the mainstream.
School Administrator, Marcus Link, says that Steiner (also known as Waldorf) education, based on the work and philosophy of Anthroposophist, Rudolf Steiner, holds the belief that standardised testing is not a true reflection of a child's knowledge, mental flexibility or ability to learn.
"Tests and exams are only introduced in the upper school at age 15 in our school. Instead of standardised testing in the primary and senior school, each child receives full assessment at the end of each year comprising comprehensive narrative reviews of work, competence and challenges from all subject teachers as well as the class teacher. Parents meetings are held every term to discuss general issues within the class as well as the what is happening in the curriculum and how children are progressing as a group. Teachers also maintain close contact with parents throughout the year, highlighting academic or emotional areas that need attention.
"Steiner education is concerned with educating the whole child in a nurturing way, so the curriculum is carefully designed to meet the child at whatever stage he is at. Tests and exams, particularly at around age 7, are not an accurate reflection of anything other than prematurely and erroneously typecasting children, placing them under unnecessary pressure and restricting the child's ability to develop at their own pace in an age appropriate way.
“By avoiding unnecessary testing, the Steiner curriculum allows the child to experience learning as a joy, as they recognise their own capacities and abilities unfolding in an environment which nurtures the head, heart and hands.”
Link continues : “ As the young person approaches the Upper School, the curriculum becomes ever broader and more rigorous, incorporating the sciences, the humanities and the arts and crafts. With the solid foundation and love of learning engendered in their childhood, our older students approach exams with self confidence.”
Open Day starts at 10.30am til 2pm and the public are warmly invited to look at displays of the children's work, try their hand at some arts and crafts offered as part of the curriculum, and enjoy some delicious refreshments at the student cafe.
For more information, call 01803 897 377.
