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Further education

You'll find discussions about A Levels and universities on our Further Education forum.

Original poster

University applicants from Steiner schools

40 replies

Goldmandra · 12/10/2015 12:13

If a student has attended a Steiner school (or any other whose pupils don't take GCSEs) does this put them at a significant disadvantage when applying to university?

I assumed it would but at least one school website suggests otherwise.

OP posts:
Original poster
Goldmandra · 12/10/2015 18:31

I really do think you need to do a bit more research.

That's exactly what I'm doing.

OP posts:
Aelfwynn · 12/10/2015 17:46

My only understanding of Steiner has come from his promotion of play for much younger children.

I really do think you need to do a bit more research.

Aelfwynn · 12/10/2015 17:43

Not clearly at all. The OP appears to know very little of Steiner, and to be seriously considering it to GCSE level . I'd be very interested to hear just which school taught to year 11 and didn't offer any GCSE or equivalent.

Steiner is a lot of nonsense IMO.

A little like your posts, IMO. No basis in fact.

I'd look for a less biased and more balanced view of Steiner education, and would recommend also visiting any school in consideration armed with a list of questions. Also do a bit more research.

LisbethSalandersLaptop · 12/10/2015 15:36

" anti Steiner nonsense "

Steiner is a lot of nonsense IMO.

titchy · 12/10/2015 15:08

Admissions tutors tend to hang around in Higher Education, not Further Education. But for 18-21 year olds offers are made on the basis of gaining grades in formal qualifications. It's usually only mature students who MAY gain offers without any qualifications. Even then they are normally required to demonstrate they are capable of degree level study.

Personally I'd avoid any school that didn't offer GCSEs, unless I had a child with fairly significant SNs.

Aelfwynn - clearly there is at least one Steiner school that doesn't offer GCSEs as the OP is considering it!

Original poster
Goldmandra · 12/10/2015 14:57

The object of posting was to find out if I would disadvantage my DD by sending her to a school that didn't offer GCSEs.

I read on one website that lack of formal qualifications didn't disadvantage their students and wanted to hear if that was the view of admissions tutors really.

OP posts:
Aelfwynn · 12/10/2015 14:45

The usual anti Steiner nonsense I see. Hmm

What was the object in posting, OP? Steiner schools do offer GCSE, and those who don't only teach to 14 years and the children move to alternative education to take them.

Rubbish about there being no children from ethnic minorities and children with SEN. Steiner schools are very inclusive and have policies to support children with SEN (look up the any UK Steiner school policy if in doubt)

Original poster
Goldmandra · 12/10/2015 13:34

I am definitely wary and much more clued up now.

Thank goodness for MN!

OP posts:
LisbethSalandersLaptop · 12/10/2015 13:28

I think there ARE some good things that we could 'borrow' from Steiner, but I would be v v wary of going the whole hog.

Original poster
Goldmandra · 12/10/2015 13:26

Wow!

My only understanding of Steiner has come from his promotion of play for much younger children.

I clearly have a lot to learn!

OP posts:
LisbethSalandersLaptop · 12/10/2015 13:09

honestly Gold, read this

I know someone whose children went there as 'newcomers' (ie hadn't been there right from the start) and they were both horribly bullied and the teacher would just ignore it.

Original poster
Goldmandra · 12/10/2015 13:04

Steiner schools don't have anyone with 'additional needs' nor do they have racial minorities. It will be wall to wall white middle class airy fairy woo parents.
If that is what you want for your child, carry on.

If that's the case, my child wouldn't meet their criteria.

OP posts:
LisbethSalandersLaptop · 12/10/2015 12:41

not sure about the rules, it just seems a bit of a waste of time.
BTW Steiner said that children with blue eyes were mostevolved nd intelligent.
In addition many Steiner teachers think that bullying is a punishment for sins in a past life, and as such do not address it.
Steiner schools don't have anyone with 'additional needs' nor do they have racial minorities. It will be wall to wall white middle class airy fairy woo parents.
If that is what you want for your child, carry on.

Original poster
Goldmandra · 12/10/2015 12:20

why start another thread on the same subject?

Because someone suggested I might get more feedback on this board.

Sorry. I didn't realise it was against the rules.

OP posts:
LisbethSalandersLaptop · 12/10/2015 12:14

why start another thread on the same subject? Confused