Founded as a co-educational school in 1937, it occupies a beautiful rural site with well-equipped buildings and extensive gardens; the school farm is close by. Its programme is based on Steiner Waldorf principles, with the education following the inner developmental stages of the child. In the kindergarten, the main emphasis is on learning by doing, through creative play and group activities such as games, songs, verses, stories, artistic and practical work. In the lower school (6-14 year-olds) the emphasis is on the education of the heart - the life of feelings - to awaken imagination and a sound social sense through a practical and artistic approach to learning. The class teachers bring all the core subjects to the pupils over these 8 years and subject teachers bring the crafts, music, sports and languages. In the upper school (14-18) the emphasis shifts to the development of clear thinking and the exercise of healthy critical judgement. At this stage, the core subjects are brought to the whole class by specialist subject teachers right up to A-level standard. Music, drama and art are particular strengths. A full gym, sports and games programme is available and there are some extra-curricular activities.
Pupils: Total age range 3-18; 274 pupils (126 boys, 148 girls); 269 day, 5 boarding. Entrance: Main entry ages, 3-4, 6-7 and 14. Entrance by interview. No special skills or religious requirements.
Some limited financial arrangements to support existing families. Scholorships and financial arrangements are currently under review.
Chair of College of Teachers is reviewed annually. Teaching staff: 30 full time, 16 part time. Annual turnover 4%. Average age 40.
GCSE: Some 20 pupils in upper fifth: 90+% gain at least grade C in 5-7 subjects. A-levels: 6 in upper sixth, 43% pass 2 or more A-levels.
65% of pupils go on to a degree course, most after a gap year. The majority take courses in social sciences, humanities, art and design; a few in science and engineering; and a number in vocational subjects. Others go on to further education, vocational training and education through travel. Some pupils leave before completing GCSEs or A-levels for the wider choice of subjects available at a sixth-form college.
Steiner Waldorf core curriculum followed up to Year 12: a broad-based education which aims to underpin exam subjects and reduce stress associated with emphasis on exam achievement. Core curriculum and arts and craft subjects attract some credit from OCN (Open College Network). Exam choices in GCSE, AS and A-levels. 14 GCSE subjects, 12 AS, 8 A-levels. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 3 subjects at both AS and A-level. General studies and key skills covered by the Waldorf curriculum in its own way but not examined. Vocational: Work experience available. Special provision: SEN provision. Languages: French and German offered from age 7 up to A-level. Regular exchanges. Up to 5% of pupils are European (French, German, Spanish). ICT: Pupils may use ICT skills for research and presentation from GCSE level onwards. Use of IT being developed.
Music: 70% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups include 3 orchestras, 3 choirs, wind ensemble, class groups, recorder groups. Opera performed most years by 12-13 year olds, singing pageant for 7-8 year olds; recent productions include Schubert's Mass in G, Bernstein's Chichester Psalms, Vivaldi's Gloria. Drama and dance: Drama and dance (eurythmy) offered; GCSE drama may be taken. All pupils are involved in school productions. Art and design: Most pupils take GCSE and A-level art. Textiles, pottery, woodwork, basketmaking, metalwork and bookbinding also offered. Each year a number of pupils go on to study art and music at higher education level.
Sport: Field hockey, basketball, gymnastics, acrobatics, Bothmer gym, out-of-school swimming, soft ball, baseball, netball, tennis. Activities: Some 5 clubs including basketball, circus skills, volleyball, chamber orchestra.
Uniform: Agreed dress code. Houses and prefects: No competitive houses or prefects. Religion: Non-denominational Christian assemblies/festivals. Social: Sporting functions with local schools. Exchanges and organised trips with other Steiner Waldorf schools abroad. Pupils allowed to bring own car, bike or motorbike to school.
Pupils failing to produce homework would expect to stay in after school. Parental support for effective no-drugs policy.
In local, selected private family homes, generally school parents.
Old Scholars of Wynstone School, c/o the school.
Are active in local, national and international communities in a wide range of capacities - be it as carpenters, businessmen, artists, doctors.
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