Norwich Steiner School is Independent Secondary school in Not applicable for kids aged 3 to 19 (Gender - 3 to 19 )
The vision of Norwich Steiner School is to provide a Steiner-Waldorf curriculum for pupils from age 3-19 years of age, with pupils being able to leave the school as balanced, well -rounded and mature young adults, able to pursue their own futures and destinies with confidence and self-belief.As an all-through-school we are privileged to see the children progress through the school, and interacting together along the way- from the foundation building freedom of kindergarten, up through the lower school and then back downstairs again to the upper school, to see them grow and change, develop their identities, interests and ideas. And the children look ahead to where they will follow, know where they are going and see the possibilities the future may bring.
Kindergarten
There is no base line-testing, no five-year-old literacy or maths assessments, no measuring and comparing with others (apart from the usual ‘I’m taller’, ‘No, look, I am’, “Well, you had more snack than me.’).There is no formal teaching or learning. They leave that for school, later. (EYFS Exemptions for Early Years Learning goals have been granted by Secretary of State for Education). The children grow, develop and learn all the same, all the better; through playing, through doing, through being themselves and being together. Through being allowed to just ‘be’. They become sociable, co-operative, imaginative, creative, confident and caring. Their natural interest in words, reading, writing and numbers develops naturally. And they learn to enjoy learning. They give children time and space to develop and learn naturally, each at their own pace, in an environment that is both restful and inspiring. The morning is structured around familiar routines, within which the children feel safe and are free to flourish:After settling in and catching up with friends we have circle time, sharing seasonal songs and stories, immersing ourselves in words, in the rhythm of language, and of life.
Lower School
Teaching is creative and artistic, visually and imaginatively appealing and catering for different styles of learning and different types of learner. Class teachers usually stay with their class all through lower school, so the teachers and children really get to know each other. This allows teachers to set appropriate and realistic expectations, based on their on-going observations of the class.Learning is active and sensory, and the rhythmic, lively and vibrant lessons often feel like a conversation: an on going dialogue between the children and the teacher, as they explore a subject together. Ideas are exchanged, questioned, built upon; possibilities extended: “We could…’ ‘How do I…?’ “What if we…” ‘Let’s…’. patterns are noticed, connections are made.Everyone is involved and engaged, inspired and encouraged, recognised as individuals and aware of each other, of interests and needs. The children enjoy each other’s company and there is an easy, fluid interaction between them and the teacher. Classes seem to have their own momentum – moving along on their journey, through the lesson, the day, the term, the seasons, the year, the curriculum, the school: together.
Upper School
Three cohorts of pupils have graduated from the school, one group in July 2017, the second in July 2019, and our most recent group in July 2021. Within each cohort, the majority or all pupils have successfully attained their Level 3 qualification, with one-third to half of pupils applying for and being offered places at universities. Many of our students take a gap year to travel at the end of school.We aim to help students work through adolescence in a healthy way, providing sufficient time to find resonance and direction for their next steps in life while providing a balance for the extremes of emotion and ideas and between inner and outer worlds. Students develop a love of learning, as well as practical and transferable skills that will help them along their way.The recently developed NZCSE Qualification is based on the Steiner Waldorf curriculum, leaving Norwich Steiner School entirely free from the pressures of the National Curriculum and mainstream qualifications. We have found this allows both pupils and teachers to enjoy learning and teaching in a creative and invigorating environment.
Visiting School
At the last school inspection pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development was found to be outstanding, and their behaviour excellent: they are friendly, open, lively and considerate of one another. Pupils said they love coming to the school, that they feel safe, valued as individuals and believe that their teachers care deeply about them and work hard to ensure that they succeed.We invite you to visit our school and experience the atmosphere for yourself. The most frequent opportunities we offer are Introductory Mornings & Kindergarten Open Afternoons. There is no charge for either, but to minimise disruption to the classes, numbers are limited and so booking is essential. See below for more details and for dates.
Please check the school website link for details.
1.57 miles
