Reimagining High School: Where Learning Meets the Modern World
At Samford Valley Steiner School, the high school years are a time of growth. Students build on the strong foundation established in earlier years, becoming confident individuals ready to navigate the world with purpose and adaptability. Our approach blends independent thinking, academic achievement, and creative self-expression, while ensuring alignment with national curriculum requirements to prepare students for future success.
A Distinctive Approach to Education
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.”
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, technology is thoughtfully integrated to enhance learning, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. [Learn more about our screen-free approach and high school technology integration.
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.
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.
Globally Recognised Credentials
Graduates earn the internationally recognised New Zealand Certificate of Steiner Education (NZCSE), a respected alternative to the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) or International Baccalaureate (IB). This qualification is accepted by universities (worldwide), opening doors to further education worldwide.
The Rhythm of Learning
Our school day is built around our signature Main Lesson—a two-hour focus on a single subject each morning. This immersive experience allows students to explore topics in-depth, fostering a genuine love of learning. The rest of the day includes a range of engaging experiences, such as:
- Hands-on science labs
- Advanced mathematics and literature studies
- Creative arts projects
- Outdoor education for resilience
- Practical workshops like crafting and gardening
Senior Research Projects: A Capstone Experience
In their final year, students complete a Senior Research Project, a year-long exploration that combines academic research with practical application. These projects, which often involve university-level research or collaboration with professionals, help students develop independence, problem-solving skills, and a deeper sense of purpose.
Past projects have included music composition, playwriting, renewable energy prototypes, and addressing global challenges like sustainable architecture and medical innovation.
Expanding Beyond the Classroom
Our curriculum extends beyond traditional academics. We incorporate outdoor education, the arts, and practical workshops to develop well-rounded individuals with real-world skills:
- Outdoor Education: Over 20 outdoor camps from Kindergarten to Year 12, teaching resilience and environmental awareness.
- Creative Arts: Music, drama, and visual arts to build emotional intelligence and confidence.
Practical Workshops: Activities like woodworking and textiles to teach hands-on skills and foster creativity.
Start your Journey with Us
Discover how our high school program nurtures both academic excellence and individuality. At Samford Steiner, we prepare students not just for exams, but for life.