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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:
LisbethSalandersLaptop · 12/10/2015 12:14

why start another thread on the same subject? Confused

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 12:41

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 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 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 13:26

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 13:28

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 13:34

I am definitely wary and much more clued up now.

Thank goodness for MN!

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 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:
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!

LisbethSalandersLaptop · 12/10/2015 15:36

" anti Steiner nonsense "

Steiner is a lot of nonsense IMO.

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.

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.

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 18:37

You certainly need to if your only understanding of Steiner is the promotion of play for younger children. You were quite convinced earlier by Lisbeth's comments, up thread, which were not correct, so I'd look beyond asking for opinion. E.g. Try a book. Newspaper articles. Find out what modern Steiner education is all about.

Original poster
Goldmandra · 12/10/2015 18:53

You were quite convinced earlier by Lisbeth's comments, up thread, which were not correct, so I'd look beyond asking for opinion.

I haven't said I am convinced by anything. I have said I am now more wary. I also volunteered that I have a lot to learn.

I have now done more than read the opinion on MN and will continue to do so. I will visit any school I consider for my DD armed with questions and, in the case of any Steiner school, some of those questions may arise from concerns raised by MNers.

There really is no need to be so patronising.

OP posts:
minmooch · 12/10/2015 19:19

My nephews and nieces have all been through the Steiner system. They have all achieved exceptionally high GCSEs and A levels and those old enough have been to excellent unis. They are well adjusted delightful kids. They are very similar to their cousins who have been through private and state schools.

LisbethSalandersLaptop · 13/10/2015 10:13

" Also do a bit more research."

I have and I do not like what I see, hear and read. Are you trying to suggest I am not entitled to an opinion?

LisbethSalandersLaptop · 13/10/2015 10:14

because frankly, that kind of attitude doesn't do Steiner any favours

Aelfwynn · 13/10/2015 11:07

Lisbeth

I was addressing the OP, obviously, suggesting she research as she knows so little about Steiner education, and to be considering it to GCSE level.

Steiner schools don't have anyone with 'additional needs' nor do they have racial minorities.
In addition many Steiner teachers think that bullying is a punishment for sins in a past life, and as such do not address it.

You coming out with nonsense like this, Lisbeth, shows your knowledge is clearly lacking, or you're just being plain misleading.

LisbethSalandersLaptop · 13/10/2015 11:12

" many Steiner teachers think that bullying is a punishment for sins in a past life, and as such do not address it "

well that was the experience of some children I know that attended one of these places near London. The teachers thought it was their own fault and did nothing to stop it. when Steiner disciples just try to rubbish anything negative about this organisation, it doesn't reflect well on it.

Aelfwynn · 13/10/2015 11:18

No Steiner school in the UK has such a viewpoint about bullying being punishment for sins in a past life. Nor do they exclude people with SEN or for their ethnicity or colour of their skin. Do you realise how crazy those accusations sound. It's utter nonsense.

Can you back anything up with facts?

LisbethSalandersLaptop · 13/10/2015 11:20

I just told you, that is what happened to my friend's children. That is a fact.
And no offence, but I seriously doubt you know everything that goes on in every Steiner school in the UK do you?

Aelfwynn · 13/10/2015 11:21

Of course there are negatives. It's not an education that suits everybody, that's why it needs to be well researched and schools in questions visited to be sure that the right choice is made for the child