has anyone had a Steiner education?

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I am very interested in the Steiner way of teaching and think it would be great for young children. However, I am not sure how good it is for older children as it doesn't focus on exams and I wonder if that would be a disadvantage. Has anyone been educated the Steiner way and could tell me more about it?

I wouldn't worry about not having computers - we couldn't take computer studies when I did O levels but I can still manage more than adequately on a computer! Computers as we know them know prob won't even be around in 15 years.

I haven't looked into Steiner but I'd agree that you have to base your choice on your child. And not be afraid to move him if he's not happy.

We want to send ds2 to a steiner school- and like you I have concerns about whether it will be wright for him. It is very idealistic- but what's wrong with aiming for high ideals? I do know of people who's children have been steiner educated until about 8 and then moved as it's been too arty for them. Apparently they've fitted well into their new schools- and have a lot of confidence, and the paents haven't regretted the Steiner years at all. I think it's a lovely start to education even if you don't stick with it all the way through. I think a lot of people think the children can do what they want etc etc- and it's not like that at all. It actually has a structure to it and rhythm is important - and they expect you to be like that at home (not saying you're not- just pre empting the "advice" you'll receive from man on the street).

wright for him??? see what a non steiner education has done for my spelling

Following on from what jimjams has said about following the rhythm at home...

The man giving a talk at a Steiner open day I attended, stressed that they didn't like parents using computers or watching tv! Doesn't that preclude all mumsnetters offspring?

sahaboo- we were told not tv for kindergarten kids and to limit it as they got older- ditto computers. Nothing about banning parents though!! In fact we discussed a Steiner homeschool website- so they must have had a sneaky look

We're going to look at Steiner for DS1 (just kindergarten) in the next couple of weeks.
Will let you know how we get on. B***ks to no TV or PC though - that's one rule we'll enjoy breaking!

I've also toyed with Steiner for my dd1 - but found some aspects of it a bit alarming. almost proto fascist....... i think it depends whether the school is "pure" steiner or realises that steiner's principles do have to adapt to the times we're living in.
But, the thing that I'm really interested in, and haven't found out enough about, is the emphasis on developing the child's "will." Apparently that's what they do for the first 7 years (hence no reading). My dd1 is quite eccentric; she's very clever, imaginative, thoughtful, sometimes mature beyond her years, but she can also come across as quite browbeaten/victimised/stressed out and she gives up very easily. I am concerned for her development and wonder whether steiner would be the best thing for her if it develops her "will" ie the ability to act for herself confidently, to know herself, what she wants etc.
I feel particularly in these very uncertain times that these qualities of confidence and self-love are the most important one can impart to a child, and I'm wondering whether a state school, even a loving, kind one, can help teach her these things. I know it's my job as her mother to show her the way, but unless it is underpinned in her education, then I think it's a bit pointless.
Sorry that was probably very verbose and unclear does anyone know anything about this?

What did you mean by proto fascist? Maybe it depends on the school- as I haven't really felt that in either of the schools I've visited. Just interested.

I think the State and Steiner systems are worlds apart. They'll be good and bad aspects of both- of course each individual school will vary greatly- and the qualities you talk about may depend on individual schools or even individual teachers. I think the approach to education is generally more holistic at a Steiner school (ao these aspects will be seen as important) whereas State schools are more constrained by seeking academic achievement- especially in these days of Sats etc.

FWIW I haven't yet come across a school that I think will accomodate ds1's needs. (He's currently three and a half and at a great nursery). A school couldn't begin to teach him what he needs as his way of learning is so different from that of other children. For this reason we will almost certianly home educate. Our reasons for wanting to send ds2 to a Steiner school is because we would like him to realise that there is more to life than academic achievement and competition, and that there is another part of you that needs to be nurtured. If for some reason we can't get him into the Steiner school we will send him to the local state school, and if that didn't work out would look into sending him to Steiner at a later age or even to a local private day school. I guess at the end of the day you need to go with your feelings - you know your daughter best- where do you think she would be happiest? And remember wherever you send her- you can move her if it doesn't work out.

Right now I', off to build my yurt