The School offers a mix of qualifications beyond the Scottish National 4s / 5s, Highers and Advanced Highers, including the Integrative Education Award and Certificate (equivalent to three GCSEs, cultivating eleven creative thinking skills), Cambridge English (for our visiting overseas students from one of the sister Waldorf schools in some 80 countries around the world) and GCSE in the subject of Art, taken in Class 11. The particular qualification in a subject arises from the teachers’ opinion of which exam will best fit into the Steiner curriculum and the timetable. Exams Coordinator and Education Manager, Alistair Pugh explains:
“The reason for doing GCSE Art & Design is that the course is portfolio-based, with no sit down written exam. Our progression pathway for the majority of our pupils is to Advanced Higher, not Higher Art, and AH is also a portfolio-based course with no sit down written exam (unlike the Higher). GCSE is therefore a better preparatory course for Advanced Higher.”
GCSE Art candidates exhibit their portfolios in the School Hall to peers, parents and the public in June. A virtual exhibition of 2024 candidates can be viewed below.
GCSE / Upper School Art Teacher, Didi Jellema
“Having Studied Painting at Gray’s School of Art in Aberdeen I was lucky enough to work as a lecturer there upon graduating. I continued to develop my personal practice by undertaking a Contemporary Art Practice course at Leith School of Art and then completed my Masters in Fine Art and Philosophy at DJCAD in Dundee.
Continuing my quest in education and art I worked full time at the university before returning to studying – this time a Professional Graduate Diploma in Education at Edinburgh University.
I am currently working as lecturer for Dundee and Angus College and as the Teacher of Art and Design to Class 9, 10 and 11 (GCSE) here at the Edinburgh Steiner School.
I am an avid creative, drawing, knitting, baking and crafting whenever I get a chance and otherwise I will be found outside climbing up cliff faces, hiking in the mountains and swimming at local lochs, rivers and beaches. My love for the outdoors has made me an advocate for our environment and I aim to nurture a sustainable mindset in the pupils I will have the joy of teaching.”
A unique aspect of the Steiner Waldorf curriculum is the integration of the arts into all academic disciplines throughout the holistic education. This encourages the pupils’ emotional engagement with their learning, as well as developing their imagination and freedom of thinking, and instilling aesthetic appreciation.
Back to Overview Upper School Curriculum