Frequently Asked Questions
Recognitions & Accreditations
- Orana Steiner School is recognised by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA).
- Orana Steiner School is an independent school and is accredited under ACT education requirements.
- Member of Steiner Education Australia (SEA).
What is Steiner Education?
Steiner Education (also known as Waldorf Education) is a holistic and globally recognised approach to learning, guided by the educational philosophy of Dr Rudolf Steiner. The curriculum balances strong academics with creativity, practical learning and personal development. At Orana, students are supported to develop their thinking (head), compassion (heart) and practical capability (hands) through an intentionally structured, developmentally informed curriculum.
You can learn more about our curriculum through Steiner Education Australia.
Is Orana's curriculum academically rigorous?
Yes. Orana Steiner School delivers a structured curriculum that is aligned with the Australian Curriculum and recognised by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA). Students develop strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, science, humanities and the arts while also building critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving skills.
NAPLAN Results
National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) results provide one measure of student achievement and academic progress. At Orana, recent results have consistently demonstrated strong above average outcomes. Students regularly achieve at or above the Australian averages across literacy and numeracy domains.
ATAR Results
Students choosing the university pathway at Orana have achieved strong academic outcomes, with a recent graduating cohort recording a median ATAR of 88.2 - well above the Australian median of 50.
These results reflect the strength of Orana's progressive and personalised approach to learning.
How is Steiner Education different from a mainstream school?
While Orana teaches the same core learning areas as other Australian schools, our approach is guided by each student's stage of development. Academic learning is thoughtfully integrated with the arts, practical experiences, movement and nature, helping students develop a deep understanding of the world while fostering confidence, creativity and a lifelong love of learning.
Meaningful teacher-student relationships are at the heart of our approach, providing the guidance, encouragement and continuity that help young people grow into confident, capable and compassionate learners.
Does Orana prepare students for university and future careers?
Yes. Orana supports students from Early Childhood through to Year 12 with a strong academic program that develops independence, resilience, communication and critical thinking. Senior students undertake substantial independent learning and graduate well prepared for university, vocational pathways and employment.
Recent NAPLAN results have consistently demonstrated strong above average outcomes. Students regularly achieve at or above the Australian averages across literacy and numeracy domains.
Students choosing a university pathway at Orana consistently achieve strong ATAR academic outcomes, with a recent graduating cohort recording a median ATAR of 88.2 - well above the Australian median of 50.
When do children learn to read and write?
In Early Childhood and Kindergarten, children develop the essential foundations for literacy through storytelling, rich language experiences, play and fine motor development. Formal reading and writing instruction begins in Year 1 using a structured, evidence-based approach to literacy, supporting long-term confidence, fluency and comprehension.
Does Orana use computers and technology?
Yes. Technology is introduced thoughtfully and at developmentally appropriate stages. Early Childhood and Primary classrooms are screen-free learning environments, with digital technologies progressively introduced in the later years of Primary and Secondary School as purposeful learning tools.
This approach allows students to first develop strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, creativity, problem-solving and interpersonal skills before using technology to extend and enhance their learning. It also supports sustained attention, independent thinking, meaningful engagement and the ability to learn with confidence both on and off screen.
What is a Main Lesson?
Main Lesson is a distinctive feature of Steiner Education. Students spend an extended period every morning exploring one subject in depth over several weeks. This allows them to develop a comprehensive understanding of varied subjects through discussion, writing, artistic work and practical activities.
Do students wear a school uniform?
Orana students follow a dress code rather than wearing a traditional school uniform. This allows students to express their individuality while ensuring clothing is practical, respectful and suitable for learning and school activities.
Our approach places the emphasis on the individual rather than outward appearance, encouraging students to be recognised for who they are rather than what they wear. A practical range of Orana-branded shirts, hoodies and hats is available through the Parents & Friends (P&F) School Shop for families who wish to purchase them.
For full clothing requirements, families will have access to a Dress Code Policy.
Why do students call teachers by their first names?
Using first names reflects Orana's culture of mutual respect and positive relationships. Teachers guide and mentor students within a structured learning environment, helping build trust, confidence and meaningful connections throughout their education.
What does learning look like in Early Childhood?
Our Early Childhood program is based on gentle daily rhythms, imaginative play, storytelling, movement, practical activities and time in nature. These experiences support children's social, emotional, physical and cognitive development while building a strong foundation for future learning.
How are students assessed?
Assessment is age-appropriate and evolves throughout a student's schooling. Teachers use observation, classroom learning, projects, practical tasks and academic assessments to monitor progress, inform teaching and support each student's development.
As students move through High School and into Senior College, assessment becomes increasingly formal, including NAPLAN, ACT Senior Secondary Certificate (ACT BSSS) assessment and ATAR pathways for students undertaking tertiary entrance. This balanced approach ensures students are well prepared for further education while maintaining a meaningful focus on deep understanding and individual growth.
Are the arts part of the academic curriculum?
Yes. The arts are an essential part of learning at Orana. Music, visual arts, movement, drama, design and technologies, and woodwork are integrated throughout the curriculum, enriching academic learning while strengthening creativity, communication, critical thinking and problem-solving.
Music is a particularly valued part of a Steiner education. Students participate in singing from the early years and learn a musical instrument as part of the curriculum. Younger students begin with the recorder, before progressing to string instruments, developing technical skill, perseverance and confidence through regular practice. Performances for peers, families and the wider community provide meaningful opportunities to celebrate achievement and foster a strong sense of belonging.
Research has consistently shown that learning music supports memory, attention, language development and executive functioning. It also strengthens the connections between different areas of the brain, making music education a valuable contributor to both academic learning and personal development.
How involved are families in the school community?
Families are valued partners in the life of Orana. A strong connection between home and school helps create a supportive learning environment, and we welcome families who share our values and wish to contribute to our vibrant community.
There are many ways for families to become involved, including:
- Seasonal festivals and whole-school celebrations
- Music concerts, plays and student performances
- Community events and working bees
- The Parents & Friends (P&F) Association
- Class Representatives
- The Craft Group
- Book Club
- Volunteering at school events and activities
Every family is welcome to participate and contribute as little or as much as they choose. Whether attending a concert, lending a hand at an event or taking on a more active volunteer role, every contribution helps strengthen the sense of connection and belonging that makes the Orana community so special.
How do I enrol my child?
The first step is to apply to enrol where you can book a school tour. Visiting the campus allows you to experience Orana's learning environments, meet our educators and explore whether our educational approach is the right fit for your child and family.
Is Orana Steiner School the Right Fit for My Child & Family?
View our discovery document: Is Orana Steiner School the Right Fit for My Child & Family?
