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Education

Edinburgh Steiner school

8 replies

morag05 · 26/03/2016 17:42

Hi has anyone got first hand experience of the Edinburgh Steiner school ?

OP posts:
Parrish · 05/04/2016 15:14

I'd like some information too, if anyone has any.

BertrandRussell · 05/04/2016 15:17

Do some serious research into Steiner schools in general before focussing on one in particular. They are not all they seem.

mani83 · 11/04/2016 07:53

I suggest going onto the Edinburgh talk section of mumsnet.
This topic has came up before and had mixed reviews. I don't have any personal information on this method of teaching however I have heard (from mumsnet) in Edinburgh the school was prone to bullying.
Also on the thread a pupil of the school actually posted saying positive things about it.
I think Stiener could just be one of those things that somebody really likes or someone really doesn't get it resulting in a lot of mixed reviews.

AnotherNewt · 11/04/2016 08:04

Steiner is quite a rigid form of education (don't confuse a later start to reading with a flexible approach).

If you are happy with your DC following such a tightly prescribed path in their educational experience, and you are happy with the whole concept of anthroposophy, then it could be a good choice for you.

GroveGardener · 11/04/2016 10:03

As with all schools, your child's experience will be unique.
The Steiner school will offer an all round experience, allowing your child access to an extremely wide range of art, craft, dance, ceremony and a great sense of belonging through celebration and a loving, caring community.
The classes are small, so teachers know everyone in the school. The grounds are beautiful and everyone learns to garden and cook, knit and sew.
Emphasis is on each child rather than results driven, but results are achieved and many go on to university, if that's what you're aiming for.
This might sound a bit preachy, but I worked there for 10 years with a girl with special needs, she stayed with a class of children she had grown up with, all totally accepting of her differences. She graduated with them at 18, fully integrated.
It's certainly worth a look!
The only down side is that you have to pay, and really you have to be quite committed as a parent to be involved in the life of the school.
I wouldn't hesitate to send my grandchildren there now.

dolkapots · 16/04/2016 10:14

I was very interested in Steiner education and went to see a few schools before my eldest was due to start Reception. What seemed like a very broad curriculum (which is apparently tailored to each child) came across as very rigid and limited.

If you have a very artistic child then it would probably be good (although they are limited in what colours they can use and what forms are permitted) but it seemed very purposely draconian on the academic side to me. Art and eurythmics seemed to be given much more emphasis and importance than maths/english. The only MFL permitted is german.

I got the impression it was more a culty organization than just a school. It doesn't seem that you pick up/drop off only, you are required to dedicate a certain amount of time to the school as a family. A few of the teachers appeared to be on drugs too.

MarketingatEdinburghSteiner · 26/04/2016 17:25

Hi dolkapots, I am responding on behalf of the Edinburgh Steiner School. As you might imagine, we are rather surprised by your final observation about our staff. The school has a zero-tolerance policy with regards to the possession and/or use of drugs and other illegal substances on the school premises. Our teachers are our greatest asset and are dedicated to ensuring the very best educational experience for every pupil here. While this forum provides a fantastic opportunity for prospective parents to find out more about educational options, I would ask you to consider the damage caused by unfounded claims.

dolkapots · 26/04/2016 20:23

Marketing at no point did I say that I visited your school, nor did I mention the names of the schools I visited, so no damage has been caused.

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