High School

Grade 9 and 10: The Waldorf Foundation Years

In Grades 9 and 10, NWST offers the Cambridge IGCSE curriculum, taught in the Waldorf way.

What that means

Students study their IGCSE subjects through the Waldorf method. Main Lesson blocks give students extended, focused time with a topic instead of splitting it into short periods. Teachers build understanding through narrative, observation, and hands on work before moving to abstraction. Students keep Main Lesson books, working through material in their own words.

Alongside their IGCSE subjects, students continue with Main Lesson, Eurythmy, Craft, Games, and Guardian Lesson. These remain part of the programme through Grade 10, not add ons.

Subjects offered

All students take three compulsory subjects: Mathematics, English Language, and English Literature.

Students then choose from four subject groups:

• Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics are all offered. Most students take two. A third is available for students with a clear academic or career reason, such as a specific university pathway.
• Humanities: choose Geography or History.
• Creative and commercial subjects: choose Business Studies, Art & Design, or Music.
• Languages: choose Kiswahili or French.

The school recommends six IGCSE subjects in total. This keeps real depth possible in each subject while leaving room for Main Lesson and the arts. It also prepares students well for the IB Diploma Programme without overloading them.

Choosing subjects

Families begin discussing subject choices in Term 3 of Grade 9, based on each student’s interests and strengths. The school then guides parents and students through final subject selection ahead of Grade 10.

By the end of Grade 10, students have an internationally recognised qualification and two years of Waldorf grounding, ready to choose their final years of high school.

Grade 11 and 12: Choosing a Pathway

Upon completing Grade 10, students transition into either:

• The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) — A globally recognized, academically rigorous program that prepares students for university and lifelong learning.
• The BTEC Curriculum — A practical, career-focused program that emphasizes hands-on learning and industry skills, leading to professional qualifications.

This structure ensures that students receive a well-rounded education in Grades 9 and 10 before specializing in a pathway that aligns with their strengths and ambitions in Grades 11 and 12.

At Nairobi Waldorf School Trust High School, students at Grade 11 and 12 can pursue either the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) or BTEC qualifications, offering pathways that balance rigorous academics with practical, real-world skills. Our innovative curriculum integrates classical education, artistic expression, and experiential learning, creating a dynamic and holistic learning environment.

We believe in meeting students at their unique stages of development, tailoring both instructional methods and curriculum to support their intellectual, emotional, and creative growth. By combining academic excellence, artistic creativity, and hands-on experiences, we empower students to develop the confidence, flexibility, and critical thinking skills needed to navigate our complex, interconnected world.

At NWST, every student is seen as an extraordinary individual on a journey of discovery. Our high school curriculum prepares students for college, careers, and life beyond, encouraging them to think deeply, act with purpose, and create meaningful work in the world.

Join us at Nairobi Waldorf School Trust, where education goes beyond academics—cultivating lifelong learners, visionary thinkers, and compassionate leaders ready to shape the future.

Option A: – International Baccalaureate® (IB) – A Gateway to Global Thinkers and Lifelong Learners

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) at Nairobi Waldorf School Trust High School offers a globally recognized educational pathway that prepares students not only for university but for lifelong learning and responsible global citizenship. Rooted in academic excellence and holistic values, our program nurtures well-rounded, intellectually curious, and socially responsible young adults ready to thrive in a complex world.

Our IB curriculum offers a diverse and comprehensive range of subject choices to align with varied student interests and future career aspirations. Students engage with a balanced approach that echoes the holistic philosophy of Rudolf Steiner, integrating rigorous academics with experiential learning, reflective practices, and collaborative projects that inspire deeper meaning and purpose in education.

The Diploma Programme (DP) is a rigorous pre-university course of study designed for students in the 16 to 19 age range. It is a broad-based two-year course that aims to encourage students to be knowledgeable and inquiring, but also caring and compassionate. There is a strong emphasis on encouraging students to develop intercultural understanding, open-mindedness, and the attitudes necessary for them to respect and evaluate a range of points of view.

The course is presented as six academic areas enclosing a central core. Students study two modern languages (or a modern language and a classical language), a humanities or social science subject, an experimental science, mathematics and one of the creative arts. Instead of an arts subject, students can choose two subjects from another area. It is this comprehensive range of subjects that makes the Diploma Programme a demanding course of study designed to prepare students effectively for university entrance. In each of the academic areas students have flexibility in making their choices, which means they can choose subjects that particularly interest them and that they may wish to study further at university.

Normally, three subjects (and not more than four) are taken at higher level (HL), and the others are taken at standard level (SL). The IB recommends 240 teaching hours for HL subjects and 150 hours for SL. Subjects at HL are studied in greater depth and breadth than at SL. In addition, three core elements—the extended essay, theory of knowledge and creativity, activity, service—are compulsory and central to the philosophy of the Programme.

Option B: BTEC at NWST – A Pathway to Creative and Professional Excellence

The Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) qualifications are career-focused programs that blend practical learning with theoretical knowledge, equipping students with the skills and competencies sought by employers and higher education institutions. Offered by Pearson, BTECs span various levels and sectors, providing flexible pathways to both university education and direct employment. At Nairobi Waldorf School Trust, we offer the globally recognized BTEC (Business and Technology Education Council) qualifications in Business and Art & Design, providing students with practical, skills-based learning that bridges the gap between academics and real-world application.

Why Choose BTEC at NWST?

• Practical Learning with Real-World Application — Our BTEC programs emphasize experiential learning, where students apply theoretical knowledge through hands-on projects, real-life business simulations, and creative design assignments. This approach nurtures innovation, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Business: Developing Future Entrepreneurs and Leaders — The BTEC Business course equips students with essential skills in entrepreneurship, management, marketing, and finance. Students engage in practical projects that mimic real-world business challenges, preparing them for dynamic careers or further studies in commerce and management.
• Art & Design: Cultivating Creativity and Visual Storytelling — The BTEC Art & Design curriculum inspires students to explore their artistic talents through various media, from digital design to traditional fine arts. With a focus on both creative expression and commercial applications, students gain a strong foundation for careers in graphic design, fashion, visual arts, and more.