- All
- Upper School
- Sciences
- Arts
- Humanities
- Languages
- Main Lesson Programme
- Weekly
- Exam Subjects
- Class 9
- Class 10
- Class 11
- Class 12
- External Learners
Comedy & Tradegy
Main Lesson producing a drama involving all members of the Class.
Conic Sections
A Main Lesson in geometry, including parabola and hyperbola, and the application of Cartesian equations.
Geology
A Main Lesson investigating minerals, rocks and fossils; the formation and change of landscapes due to ‘fire’ and ‘ice’.
Crafts & Business Studies
Main Lesson where Class 9 pupils start their own craft business, being proactive in learning the skills necessary to launch and run a successful enterprise.
Narratives
The art of storytelling through narratives.
News on Narratives main Lesson: Picture Prompts Inspire ‘Engaging’ Creative Writing
Organic Chemistry
An outline of chemical processes, the resulting substances and their utility is covered in this Main Lesson.
Senses
A human biology Main Lesson exploring the ‘senses’, their physiology and relationship to our perception of the world.
Physics
Physics Main Lesson including heat, pressure and energy.
Farming / Forestry
Demanding physical work, such as fence building and hands-on experience such as milking cows and making haloumi. Visit: Farming in the curriculum
Modern History
A Main Lesson spanning history from the French Revolution to the
Russian Revolution; the Cold War and the rise of the superpowers; the growth of extremism in the 20th century.
Sequences
Main Lesson in the mathematics of codes, spirals and number patterns.
History of Art
From Ancient Egypt to the Renaissance, this History of Art Main Lesson is taken in Class 9.
Inorganic Chemistry
A Main Lesson in the principles of inorganic chemistry with emphasis on the quantitative laws.
Embryology
A Main Lesson in the reproductive system in humans and animals.
Trigonomentry
A Main Lesson in the application of Trigonomentry and its historical roots in surveying and navigation.
Mechanics
A Main Lesson in forces static and dynamic, the theories of Hooke and Newton explored via experiment.
Ancient History
A Main Lesson following the development of human beings from early hominids to Homo Sapiens, the Main Lesson looks at ancient technology, society and consciousness.
Climatology
A Main Lesson in the causes of ‘weather’ both normal and destructive and the dilemma of climate change.
News: Pupils Use Weather Station On School Grounds As Part Of Climatology Main Lesson
Internal Organs
As part of the Internal Organs Main Lesson, Class 10 pupils engage the hands (dissection) and heart (artistic anatomical diagrams) in a topic that could otherwise be delivered to the head (thinking) only.
Poetry
Main Lesson looking at poetry from the 14th century to the present day.
Colour
A Main Lesson in colour theory.
Technical Drawing
Technical drawing, also known as ‘draughting’ is a one-week Main Lesson on the act and discipline of composing drawings that visually communicate how something functions or is to be constructed.
Bookbinding
Teaches pupils a traditional craft
involving multiple stages
and techniques.
History of Art
History of Art Main Lesson
Surveying
Main Lesson in mapmaking from first principles, on location in the Highlands.
Trip: Hike up Cairngorm Mountain to appreciate the concept of ‘sustainable management’.
News feature: Class 11 Surveying Trip to Cairngorms (2023)
Chemistry of Metals
Main Lesson, exploring the properties of a selection of metals by experiment.
News: Map-Making On Location In The Highlands (July, 2022)
Botany
Main Lesson on the nature of plants and their environments.
Projective Geometry
Main Lesson on theory and applications of projective geometry.
Electronics
Main Lesson on modern technology, from electrostatics to nuclear physics.
Medieval History
Main Lesson on the age of discovery. Medieval History
Romanticism
An appreciation of the link between literature, art and
landscape.
Parzival
Main Lesson on the epic poem and grail legend.
Clay Heads
Reflective exercise Main Lesson, leading to a life size outcome.
News: All In The Head: Intellectually, Artistically, Practically – June, 2022
Kings' Play
All pupils participate in the third play in the trilogy of Oberufer Plays.
Astronomy
Astronony Main Lesson.
News: Astronomy Pupils Create Artistic Views of Exoplanets (Feb, 2023)
History of Architecture
Opportunities to design real structures on campus, as well as pupil participation in Growing Spaces Project, the campus’s ambitious campus development programme as part of this Main Lesson.
World Geography
A Main Lesson exploring spatial issues, including globalisation, gender and terrorism.
World Literature
World Literature Main Lesson
Choir
Upper School Choir every morning.
Orchestra
Weekly Upper School Orchestra for musicians.
Woodwork
Weekly double periods of Woodwork (Class 9).
Basketweaving
Basket weaving craft lesson in Class 9 using willow cane: each pupil produces one or more baskets with a variety of integrated patterns and finishing bands.
Stained Glass Making
Stained glass making craft lesson, using traditional skills. (Class 10)
Cooking
Preparing and serving school lunches one day per week (Class 12)
ICT
Incorporated where appropriate into Main Lessons and other lessons, where appropriate; for example into English National Courses where essays must be word processed (Class 10) and Electronics in Class 11.
Gym
Weekly activities include sport, games and gymnastics (Classes 9 – 11). Access to gym facilities is available at lunchtimes; afternoon
sports clubs e.g. Basketball, are offered (Class 12).
PHSE
Personal, social, health and economic: one period weekly.
Work Experience
Two weeks. (Class 10).
Careers Guidance
Classes 11 & 12.
UCAS Applications
Regularly through Careers Department. Visit to UCAS Conference.
Religious Studies
One period per week (Class 9).
World Religion
Main Lesson in Class 12.
News: Class 12 Wecome Seven Key Speakers On Religion (Nov, 2023)
News: Building Bridges to Local Faith Communities (Nov, 2022)
Drama
Various drama opportunities throughout the Upper School in Classes 9 – 12.
Art
Weekly double period: black and white drawing (contrasts); focus on balance and composition (Class 9); emphasis on the experience of colour, leading to compositional landscapes and still life (Class 10).
As well as Main Lessons: History of Art (Class 9), Colour (Class 10).
Optional: GCSE Art (Class 11), Advanced Higher Art & Design (Class 12).
English - Nat 4 / 5
- National Level 4 (portfolio)
- National Level5 (exam)
By Department reccomendation
Qualifications, Exams & Careers in the Upper School Handbook (2023/24)
Pupils who complete Nat 5 English in Class 11 may join the Year 2 class taken by Class 12 pupils to complete the Higher in one year.
Maths - Nat 4 / 5
- National Level 4 (portfolio)
- National Level5 (exam)
By Department reccomendation
Qualifications, Exams & Careers in the Upper School Handbook (2023/24)
French - Nat 4 / 5
- National Level 4 (portfolio)
- National Level5 (exam)
By Department reccomendation
Qualifications, Exams & Careers in the Upper School Handbook (2023/24)
German - Nat 4 / 5
- National Level 4 (portfolio)
- National Level5 (exam)
By Department reccomendation
Qualifications, Exams & Careers in the Upper School Handbook (2023/24)
History Nat 5
- National Level5 (exam)
Qualifications, Exams & Careers in the Upper School Handbook (2023/24)
Chemistry - Nat 5
- National Level5 (exam)
Qualifications, Exams & Careers in the Upper School Handbook (2023/24)
Nat Biology
- National Level5 (exam)
Qualifications, Exams & Careers in the Upper School Handbook (2023/24)
Biology - Nat 5
- National Level5 (exam)
Qualifications, Exams & Careers in the Upper School Handbook (2023/24)
Geography - Nat 5
- National Level5 (exam)
Qualifications, Exams & Careers in the Upper School Handbook (2023/24)
Art GCSE
Coursework / internal exam.
GCSE art including virtual exhibition from 2024.
English Higher
2-Year Course (exam in Class 12).
All pupils who have successfully completed National 5 (normally with a grade B or better, according to department policy and recommendation).
Pupils who completed Nat 5 English in Class 11 may join the Year 2 class taken by Class 12 pupils to complete the Higher in one year.
Mathematics Higher
2-Year Course (exam in Class 12).
All pupils who have successfully completed National 5 (according to department policy and recommendation).
French Higher
2-Year Course (exam in Class 12).
All pupils who have successfully completed National 5 (normally with a grade B or better, according to department policy and recommendation).
German Higher
2-Year Course (exam in Class 12).
All pupils who have successfully completed National 5 (normally with a grade B or better, according to department policy and recommendation).
Music Higher
2-Year Course (exam in Class 12).
Accoridng to uptake and departmental reccomendation.
Drama Higher
2-Year Course (exam in Class 12).
Accordnig to uptake and departmental reccomendation.
Geography Higher
One-Year Course
Normally pupils who have completed National 5.
Philosophy Higher
One-Year Course
Normally pupils who have completed National 5.
History Higher
One-Year Course
Normally pupils who have completed National 5.
English Advanced Higher
The programme will be similar to a college experience, but within the supportive atmosphere of a school, allowing learners the freedom to pursue other interests, courses, work or travel during the year. Class sizes will be small. Our in-person taught programme could also be an alternative to online courses.
Teachers would strongly recommend against Class 12 pupils taking Higher and Advanced Higher courses together in the same year.
Chemistry Advanced Higher
The programme will be similar to a college experience, but within the supportive atmosphere of a school, allowing learners the freedom to pursue other interests, courses, work or travel during the year. Class sizes will be small. Our in-person taught programme could also be an alternative to online courses.
Teachers would strongly recommend against Class 12 pupils taking Higher and Advanced Higher courses together in the same year.
Mathematics - Advanced Higher
The programme will be similar to a college experience, but within the supportive atmosphere of a school, allowing learners the freedom to pursue other interests, courses, work or travel during the year. Class sizes will be small. Our in-person taught programme could also be an alternative to online courses.
In Maths, teachers might support certain Class 12 pupils taking an AH course on a case-by-case basis, even when this involves taking a Higher and Advanced Higher simultaneously. Pupils are strongly advised to consult with their subject teachers before
making an application.
German Advanced Higher
The programme will be similar to a college experience, but within the supportive atmosphere of a school, allowing learners the freedom to pursue other interests, courses, work or travel during the year. Class sizes will be small. Our in-person taught programme could also be an alternative to online courses.
In Maths, teachers might support certain Class 12 pupils taking an AH course on a case-by-case basis, even when this involves taking a Higher and Advanced Higher simultaneously. Pupils are strongly advised to consult with their subject teachers before
making an application.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
CEFR Level A2 – C1
Overseas students or permanent pupils who do not have English as their primary language.
Art & Design Advanced Higher
Normally pupils who have completed GCSE Art.
Advanced Highers including virtual snapshots of 2021, 2022 and 2023 exhibitions.
All candidates have achieved an ‘A’ grade for three consecutive years (fifteen pupils achieving 100%).
Certificate in Integrative Education
Innovative portfolio-based qualification equal to two GCSEs.
News: Integrative Education Exhibition To Be Showcased At Founder’s Day Spring Fair (Feb, 2024)
News: First Cohort Include Integrative Education Certificate On UCAS Application (Dec, 2023)
Main Lessons are unique to the Waldorf Curriculum, providing every pupil with a broad spectrum of learning experiences throughout their education.
At a time where most young people become specialised as a result of their exam choices, pupils at Edinburgh Steiner School continue to study a broad spectrum of arts, sciences, crafts and humanities in addition to their national exam subjects. They are able to do so because of the Main Lesson Programme.
The schedule of Main Lessons is carefully constructed to provide a balance between the disciplines, while the subjects themselves are selected to be appropriate for a particular age group and developmental stage. In this way, the Main Lessons enjoyed by each year group come to be defined and coordinated by an overall ‘theme’.
Main Lessons normally last between three and four weeks. Certain Main Lessons. In Classes 11 and 12, the daily Main Lesson is slightly reduced in length to accommodate the examination subjects.
There are over one hundred Main Lessons spanning Class 1 to Class 12, which bring the Class together each morning. Below is a typical outline of the Upper School Programme that can be filtered by discipline or cohort. Individual Main Lessons on occassion vary slightly from year-to-year. They are delivered autonomously by the teacher, who is given the flexibility to adapt the material to the curiosity of the pupils in front of them in a particular year. The more in-depth descriptions linked to for each Main Lesson are therefore indicitive of the course content.
They are embedded in a timetable that also accomodates weekly subjects taken by the whole class as well as a pupil’s unique exam diet of National 4s / 5s, Highers and Advanced Highers and the portfolio-based Integrative Education suite of qualifications.
As a result of the Main Lesson Programme, irrespective of whether pupils veer towards the arts, humanities or sciences in their exam choices, they continue to receive a valuable grounding across all subjects.