Tamar Valley Steiner School is excited to begin a new chapter with the launch of our high school program, starting with Class 7 in 2027 and Class 8 in 2028*.

Places in the inaugural Class 7 cohort will be limited. Families interested in joining this first intake are encouraged to submit an enquiry or enrolment application. An Open Day with high school information evening will be held on 14 April 2026

* The commencement of high school from 2027 is subject to regulatory approval to be obtained in 2026.

Growth and discovery tamar valley steiner school

High School, a time of growth and discovery

The high school years are a time of growth. Our program builds on the strong foundations of Steiner education established in the primary years, supporting young people as they enter adolescence with curiosity, confidence, adaptability and a growing sense of their purpose.

Our approach blends independent thinking, academic achievement, and creative self-expression, while ensuring alignment with national curriculum requirements to prepare students for future success.

Botany excursion tamar valley steiner school

Our Approach - Learning that meets the world

Students of this age learn best when inspired, and their critical thinking skills grow rapidly. The Steiner curriculum responds to these needs by exploring and celebrating the strength of the human spirit. Through this approach, young people develop courage, confidence, and resilience, leaving school with a strong sense of self and a clear sense of their values.

Learning here goes beyond textbooks. Our curriculum, based on Steiner education principles, encourages critical thinking, creativity, and practical problem-solving. Students learn by doing, connecting theory with real-world applications, and exploring topics deeply to understand not just the “what,” but the “why.”

Meeting National Standards with a Global Perspective

Our curriculum covers essential subjects like English, Mathematics, Sciences, History, and foreign languages, ensuring that students meet or exceed key national standards by Year 10.

Thoughtful integration of technology

Our high school approach builds on the screen-free learning philosophy from primary years, where students develop key skills through hands-on exploration. As they progress into high school, BYOD technology is thoughtfully integrated to enhance learning, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving.

Academic excellence tamar valley steiner school

Achieving Academic Excellence

Our program aligns with the Australian Steiner Curriculum Framework, ensuring students meet national literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking standards. The Steiner approach combines rigorous academics with a focus on individuality, preparing students for future success without compromising on creativity or critical skills.

The High School Rhythm of Learning

A distinctive feature of Steiner education is the Main Lesson.

Each morning begins with a two-hour focused exploration of a single subject, allowing students to immerse themselves deeply in topics such as English, Mathematics, History, Geography, or Science. A Main Lesson typically runs for around three weeks, supporting continuity, deeper understanding, and strong recall.

The rest of the day includes a rich variety of learning experiences such as:

Advanced mathematics and literature studies
Creative arts and craft
Science investigations
Practical workshops including gardening and making
Outdoor education and physical activity

This rhythm creates a balanced and engaging school day that supports both deep thinking and active learning.

How the Main Lesson Evolves from Primary to High School

The Main Lesson approach evolves alongside students as they transition from Primary School to High School. While the core principles of immersive learning and creativity remain, the structure expands to support more advanced thematic exploration, research, and critical analysis.

In High School, students engage in more independent inquiry, developing the skills they need for future academic and professional pursuits. They are encouraged to think critically, question deeply, and articulate their understanding with confidence.

A curriculum that meets the students where they are

Class 7

At thirteen, Class 7 students stand at the threshold of adolescence, awakening to independent thinking, deepening self-awareness, and a growing desire to explore the world with curiosity, sensitivity, and emerging responsibility.

Class 8

At fourteen, Class 8 students develop greater independence and critical thought, shaping their own perspectives while seeking meaningful self-expression and a deeper understanding of their place in the world.

Highlights of our curriculum

The high school curriculum follows the Australian Steiner Curriculum Framework (ASCF), ensuring students meet national learning expectations while engaging in a rich and integrated Steiner program.

Students are encouraged to question, investigate, and think independently, building strong foundations for further learning.

Class 7 Highlights

Algebra and Geometry

Human Physiology and Simple Machines

Arthurian Legends and creative writing

The Middle Ages and the Age of Exploration

Geography of the World

Renaissance art and culture

Class 8 Highlights

Advanced Geometry and mathematical thinking

Human Anatomy and Food Chemistry

Shakespeare and Poetry

The Industrial Revolution and Nationhood

East and West cultural studies

Design and technology inspired by Leonardo da Vinci

Specialist Subject Areas

Outdoor Education

Outdoor education is a vital part of the Steiner curriculum.

Through camps, outdoor journeys, and hands-on environmental learning, students develop:
- resilience and independence
- teamwork and leadership
- confidence in challenging situations
- a deeper connection with nature

These experiences strengthen classroom learning while helping young people grow in self-reliance and social awareness.

STEM

YEARS 6-7: Practical Applications and exploration
- Students investigate astronomy, physics, and chemistry through hands-on learning experiences.
- Engineering challenges focus on sustainability and real-world problem-solving.

YEAR 8: expanding depth and creativity
- Hands-on experiments with historical scientific discoveries and linking them to modern applications.
- Building simple machines, exploring number systems, and applying geometry in real-world scenarios.

Music in High School

In high school, students refine their abilities through weekly ensembles tailored to their interests and skill levels. These groups offer students the opportunity to deepen their skills, encourage collaboration, and take pride in their performances.

Spring Festival Tamar Valley Steiner School

Student Wellbeing

A strong sense of connection sits at the centre of student wellbeing. Young people thrive in relationships, and their wellbeing is supported through meaningful connections and a community where they feel a genuine sense of belonging.

At Tamar Valley Steiner School, we take the time to truly know our students and prioritise the development of respectful, supportive relationships. Our small class sizes and strong class community culture enable teachers to build strong connections with each student and to understand them as individuals providing continuity of care and guidance during the important adolescent years.

When students feel connected, they experience care, trust, and a sense of being valued. This supports the development of confidence and self-esteem, and helps them feel safe to seek support when needed — socially, emotionally, or academically.

High School

High School at Tamar Valley Steiner School

Launching Year 7 in 2027 | Year 8 in 2028
Enrolments for Year 7 in 2027 Now Open

High School, a time of growth and discovery

Our Approach - Learning that meets the world

Meeting National Standards with a Global Perspective

Thoughtful integration of technology

Achieving Academic Excellence