FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Every new parent has questions about our school, some of which we have answered comprehensively below to provide clarity.
STATE FUNDING
In June 2015, our Trustees issued the following statement on State Funding for South Devon Steiner School.
"Our school's initial application for state funding failed. The reasons provided by Martin Whitlock (who was passionate about becoming state funded) were
i) that we were already an established school and the Government preferred to fund new schools as academies, and
ii) our site does not support dual stream which was a requirement.
We decided not to pursue a second application at that time. After further thought and discussion, the teachers expressed their deep concern at the possible future threat to the curriculum as seen on the continent and other countries where the state is funding Steiner education.
In general, we support the establishment of state-funded Steiner schools, as long as one isn't set up so close geographically that it weakens the viability of our own school which can offer independence from state interference. We are very aware of the opportunities which are afforded by state funding. We therefore continuously monitor the situation and assess our chances.
However, in so doing we are also aware of how our values could be undermined by obligations attached to state funding which are not compatible with our ambitions and what we hold dear.
Among our values are also opportunities which are currently made possible by our independent status which we cannot sacrifice without giving up our particular understanding of what the Waldorf curriculum means.
That the provision of our Steiner school therefore assumes an exclusive character is in our eyes unavoidable. We accept this as an unfortunate result of our endeavour to be part of the project of developing and sustaining Waldorf education.
Now that the SSC has come out of New Zealand, taking our children from kindergarten through to university without the need for the exam based system of GCSEs and A-Levels, there is no possibility of the school being compatible with state funding."
"Our school's initial application for state funding failed. The reasons provided by Martin Whitlock (who was passionate about becoming state funded) were
i) that we were already an established school and the Government preferred to fund new schools as academies, and
ii) our site does not support dual stream which was a requirement.
We decided not to pursue a second application at that time. After further thought and discussion, the teachers expressed their deep concern at the possible future threat to the curriculum as seen on the continent and other countries where the state is funding Steiner education.
In general, we support the establishment of state-funded Steiner schools, as long as one isn't set up so close geographically that it weakens the viability of our own school which can offer independence from state interference. We are very aware of the opportunities which are afforded by state funding. We therefore continuously monitor the situation and assess our chances.
However, in so doing we are also aware of how our values could be undermined by obligations attached to state funding which are not compatible with our ambitions and what we hold dear.
Among our values are also opportunities which are currently made possible by our independent status which we cannot sacrifice without giving up our particular understanding of what the Waldorf curriculum means.
That the provision of our Steiner school therefore assumes an exclusive character is in our eyes unavoidable. We accept this as an unfortunate result of our endeavour to be part of the project of developing and sustaining Waldorf education.
Now that the SSC has come out of New Zealand, taking our children from kindergarten through to university without the need for the exam based system of GCSEs and A-Levels, there is no possibility of the school being compatible with state funding."
EARLY YEARS VOUCHERS
Our Early Childhood Department took the decision some five years ago, not to introduce the Government Early Years vouchers. This decision was reviewed in 2014 and is currently under review again, to consider the new Government initiatives proposed for 2016. In line with the Trustee statement above, our Kindergarten's have so far preferred to remain independent from Government interference and funding, and it is likely this will continue.
HOT SCHOOL LUNCHES
Currently we do not offer daily hot school lunches. Instead, children are invited to bring a hearty and wholesome packed lunch which they eat with their class each day. We do have parents who provide pasties on Tuesdays and Pizzas on Wednesday's for a small charge. These can be pre-ordered via Reception and must be paid for in advance. Children can then collect their food from the outdoor kitchen on the relevant day of the week.
Does your college offer GCSEs and A levels?
No. South Devon Steiner College offers the full, uncompromised Steiner Waldorf curriculum. Students are assessed using the Certificate of Steiner Education framework.
What is the (New Zealand) Certificate of Steiner Education? (CSE)
This is a qualification that has a similar structure to the National Certificates of Educational Achievement (NCEA) of New Zealand. The SSC has been recognised by the New Zealand Qualification Authority (NZQA) and put on their National Qualification Framework and, at Level 3 with University Entrance, been recognised by the UNZ (Universities New Zealand) for university entrance (Ad Eundem Statum, meaning “at equivalent level”). It has 3 levels: Level 1 (equivalent to EQF 2) after class 10, Level 2 (equivalent to EQF 3) for most pupils after class 11 and Level 3 and Level 3 with University Entrance after class 12 (or optionally 13 – both equivalent to EQF level 4). Level 1 and 2 can also be used as school-leaving certificates.
The CSE is an outcomes-based qualification designed for Steiner Waldorf education. It has a rigorous quality control system. The teachers work together on an internal quality assessment system. Experienced Steiner Waldorf teachers external to the school moderate samples of internally moderated learning outcomes in order to assure uniform levels.
The CSE is not a curriculum in itself but presupposes the Steiner Waldorf curriculum with its broad focus on many subjects. The achievements of the pupils are compared to a catalogue for each level of broadly described learning outcomes.
On level 3 (EQF 4) at least 3, but preferably 4, elective subject domains must be deepened. Basic skills in numeracy and literacy are also mandatory.
Is it possible for students to directly apply to universities at the end of this education?
Students achieving the Certificate of Steiner Education at Level 3 may apply direct to universities via UCAS.
What happens if a student wishes to leave the College mid way through the 4 year course, for example at the end of Class 10?
For some students, a transition to another educational setting may be necessary during the four year study period. Students will leave SDSC with a personal recommendation and a detailed analysis of their work to date, assessed against the Certificate of Steiner Education framework. For most educational establishments, this will be enough to ensure admission, however for some, the student may need to take an admission assessment and/or commit to taking GCSE English and Maths alongside their chosen course to secure admission.
Do other schools / colleges offer the Certificate of Steiner Education?
Yes. There are nine schools in England, Germany and Austria running NZCSE, in addition to New Zealand schools. The St Michael High School, London and the Norwich Steiner School both offer the CSE to Level 3 and both have alumni currently studying at British universities.
No. South Devon Steiner College offers the full, uncompromised Steiner Waldorf curriculum. Students are assessed using the Certificate of Steiner Education framework.
What is the (New Zealand) Certificate of Steiner Education? (CSE)
This is a qualification that has a similar structure to the National Certificates of Educational Achievement (NCEA) of New Zealand. The SSC has been recognised by the New Zealand Qualification Authority (NZQA) and put on their National Qualification Framework and, at Level 3 with University Entrance, been recognised by the UNZ (Universities New Zealand) for university entrance (Ad Eundem Statum, meaning “at equivalent level”). It has 3 levels: Level 1 (equivalent to EQF 2) after class 10, Level 2 (equivalent to EQF 3) for most pupils after class 11 and Level 3 and Level 3 with University Entrance after class 12 (or optionally 13 – both equivalent to EQF level 4). Level 1 and 2 can also be used as school-leaving certificates.
The CSE is an outcomes-based qualification designed for Steiner Waldorf education. It has a rigorous quality control system. The teachers work together on an internal quality assessment system. Experienced Steiner Waldorf teachers external to the school moderate samples of internally moderated learning outcomes in order to assure uniform levels.
The CSE is not a curriculum in itself but presupposes the Steiner Waldorf curriculum with its broad focus on many subjects. The achievements of the pupils are compared to a catalogue for each level of broadly described learning outcomes.
On level 3 (EQF 4) at least 3, but preferably 4, elective subject domains must be deepened. Basic skills in numeracy and literacy are also mandatory.
Is it possible for students to directly apply to universities at the end of this education?
Students achieving the Certificate of Steiner Education at Level 3 may apply direct to universities via UCAS.
What happens if a student wishes to leave the College mid way through the 4 year course, for example at the end of Class 10?
For some students, a transition to another educational setting may be necessary during the four year study period. Students will leave SDSC with a personal recommendation and a detailed analysis of their work to date, assessed against the Certificate of Steiner Education framework. For most educational establishments, this will be enough to ensure admission, however for some, the student may need to take an admission assessment and/or commit to taking GCSE English and Maths alongside their chosen course to secure admission.
Do other schools / colleges offer the Certificate of Steiner Education?
Yes. There are nine schools in England, Germany and Austria running NZCSE, in addition to New Zealand schools. The St Michael High School, London and the Norwich Steiner School both offer the CSE to Level 3 and both have alumni currently studying at British universities.