The Upper school
Classes 8 to 12
The guiding principle in the Upper School is to lead the student, through the specific nature of the curriculum, to the understanding: "the world is true". One urges the student through a sense of reverence and responsibility for the world around; a living knowledge, a training of the feeling life through the artistic method, and the strengthening of will impulses towards moral action.
It is not in the philosophy of the Rudolf Steiner schools to pressure children to hurry through childhood, but to bring those youthful qualities into adulthood that characterise the human being as a creative individual. The young adult is led to an understanding of nature that is valid for the whole human being. In the whole curriculum, arts and science complement; in the creative and self-active practical work, the elements of knowledge and understanding arise.
Class Eight- Transition Class for High School
In Class Eight (13-14 year olds) the pupils are prepared for their future as students in the High School. The Class Eight teacher is a teacher accompanying the class this particular year; specialist teachers are all from the High School. It is the aim of the Class Eight teacher to bring the pupil ‘up to date’ with world history and the progress of science in a manner which still engages the feelings. The social effects of the Industrial Revolution, slavery between 500-1900, America’s War of Independence and Civil War, Europe 1850-1914, World War I and World War II are all studied. Chemistry, physics (including the principles of computers, radio and television) mathematics, English and physiology (the bone and muscle mechanics and the human eye) are all taught in main lessons.
In handcraft, hand sewing continues as well as embroidery; the pupils learn to use a sewing machine after a short module about fabrics and their qualities. Basket weaving, using flax and cane, is also introduced this year.
In classes 8 to 12 all the subjects are taught by specialist teachers. Each class has two sponsors, to whom the students and their parents can turn to discuss needs as they arise, and who support the students. Adolescence is a time when the student often must take steps and face new challenges alone, and feels inwardly alone. It is important that students have the support of teachers and family as they step with courage into the wider community.
Although specialist teachers teach all subjects, the students themselves do not specialise in the curriculum subjects. All students in the upper school take classes in English, mathematics, history, physics, chemistry, biology, geography, art history, languages, music, eurythmy, physical education, handcrafts, horticulture, technology, home economics and the creative arts. There is some freedom in the choice of modern languages, and opportunity for extra study in specific disciplines as the need arises.
