Main School
Ages 6-14 (Classes 1-8)
Awakening creativity, deepening understanding
The aim of the Steiner Waldorf curriculum in the Main School is to awaken children’s capacities for imagination, wonder and creativity. To light the fire of ‘enthusiastic’ learning, subjects are presented through narrative. Children meticulously document what they are learning in their lessons as subjects are presented as potent, interwoven and overlapping strands.
Each Class year has a purposefully crafted curriculum, as well as key milestone events and activities, to aid each child to reach their full potential for learning at each stage of child development.
Explore Lower Main School
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![Class 1]()
CLASS 1
Ages 6-7
In Class One, children aged six are guided by a specialist teacher as they form strong bonds and develop good habits for a more formal classroom environment. Through stories, art, crafts and knitting, they begin reading and exploring numbers while building creativity and dexterity.
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![CLASS 2]()
CLASS 2
Ages 7-8
In Class Two, children deepen their understanding of their place within the group and the wider world through fables and stories from different cultures. They expand their number skills through form drawing and times tables, while outdoor lessons build physical confidence and encourage scientific discovery of nature.
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![Bouquet of yellow daffodils in a cozy room with bookshelves, artwork, and speakers]()
CLASS 3
Ages 8-9
In Class Three, children encounter a broader range of teachers and subjects, building confidence and self-awareness through practical activities such as shelter-building, growing crops and making and selling food. Daily literacy and maths, foreign languages, local field trips, and stories of resilience and perseverance broaden their understanding of themselves and the world.
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![Colorful multiplication chart with a hanging red patterned ornament on a textured wall beside a chalkboard and rustic wall decor]()
CLASS 4
Ages 9-10
In Class Four, children explore the complexities of human nature through Norse myths and discover York’s history and geography from pre-Roman times onwards. They develop their understanding of fractions and investigate animal specialisations through an in-depth project on creatures of their choice.
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![Child's Saltburn-by-the-Sea project display with drawings, photographs, books, and a LEGO coastal diorama featuring roads, water, a bridge, and miniature figures.]()
CLASS 5
Ages 10-11
In Class Five, children’s intellectual abilities, flexibility and creativity flourish as they explore the British Isles, rivers, plant biology and Ancient Greece. Their studies culminate in the national Steiner Waldorf Olympiad, consolidating their confidence, skills and enthusiasm for learning.
Middle Years Main School
Classes 6-8
(children ages 11-14)
In the Middle school years, the curriculum broadens to provide intellectual challenge, deepening exploration of the natural and social sciences. Classes 6-8 explore themes of transformation and change, mirroring the emotional and physical changes that children navigate as they go through puberty and become young people.
A focus on independent learning introduces research skills, report writing and public presentation. Children take a greater responsibility for their learning, growing their confidence, creativity, critical thinking and teamwork. In preparation for Upper School, classes often welcome new students moving from homeschooling or an alternative primary setting.
Explore Middle Main School
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![Class 6]()
CLASS 6
Ages 11-14
IIn Class Six, children’s growing social awareness is supported through studies of Roman history, differing perspectives, and the recurring themes of light, shadow and change. Physics, geology and art complement this learning as children test boundaries and develop greater independence and responsibility.
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![CLASS 7]()
CLASS 7
Ages 12-13
In Class Seven, children confidently question and explore through studies of the Dark Ages, world religions, algebra, the Pythagorean theorem, human biology and physiology. Gymnastics, cross-country, circus skills, acrobatics and a week-long residential build strength, coordination, resilience and a positive approach to challenges.
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![Indoor educational display with a framed world map, potted tropical plants, books, artwork, and a whiteboard.]()
CLASS 8
Ages 13-14
In Class Eight, students explore modern history, world geography and climate through an in-depth, interconnected curriculum, while completing an individual year-long project and performing a substantial class play. An extended class trip celebrates their Middle School journey as they emerge as independent young people, ready for the next step.
Learn About Upper School
Come and experience Main School for yourself.
The best way to understand life at York Steiner School is to see it in action.
Visit our classrooms, explore our beautiful grounds and meet the teachers who make our community so special. We'd love to welcome you and answer any questions you may have.
