The Montessori Method:
 
The method employed is the Montessori Method as developed by Dr Maria Montessori. The basis of this method is the viewpoint that each child has an innate desire to learn. The prerequisite to learning taking place is the existence of a prepared environment where the child can be directed and not taught.

Montessori education recognises that each child learns with a unique style and pace. It is a child-centred, holistic approach acknowledging that the child’s development and education involves many aspects: physical, cognitive, social, emotional and moral/spiritual.

This means that, through our observations, we direct the children’s daily activities based on their own needs, strengths and developmental stages.
 
The Montessori environment changes and grows with the developmental needs of the child. The materials offer concrete, multi-sensory experiences, which actively engage children, correcting, giving feedback and increasing the child’s opportunities for self-directed work.

The materials contain many aims or goals and can often be explored at different levels. The environment allows children with quite different developmental needs to work and learn side by side with the same materials.

The Montessori environment contains a multi-age span. This fosters a sense of community in which children come to naturally help one another.

Every child’s progress is evaluated on a daily basis and their work is structured to ensure enough repetition to acquire the necessary skills. This allows us the flexibility to follow the needs of each child. Every child is valued for his/her contribution to the group. This gives all the children the chance to interact with a wide range of people and provides motivation and opportunities to share their skills and strengths. Our approach, whilst focussed on the individual child, must also nurture and support the group as a whole.
 
Montessori philosophy recognises that parents are an integral part of the child’s education and as such should assume equal responsibility in the process of the child’s education. Parental commitment to Montessori education is imperative.
 
The core set of values that guide our daily practice are:
 
Children are intrinsically motivated and their learning activities should incorporate movement and opportunities for independence.
Children will become self-disciplined when they are empowered to choose learning activities.
Each class is a respectful community of mixed-age learners.
Indoor and outdoor classrooms are prepared learning environments.
Teachers strive to become trained Montessorians.
Parents are partners that understand and support the purpose of the school.
 
The role of a Montessori teacher is:
 
to awaken the child's spirit and imagination
to encourage the natural desire for independence and self-esteem
to help children develop the kindness, courtesy, and self-discipline that will allow them to become a full member of society
to help children learn how to observe, question and explore ideas independently.
 
Learning how to work and play together with others in a peaceful and caring community is perhaps the most critical life skill that Montessori teaches.
 
As opposed to the traditional teacher, the directress is there to facilitate learning. She will provide the necessary opportunities for the child to learn. The directress will link the child to the environment by demonstrating the correct way to use and benefit from the equipment.
 
The Role of Parents

Parents play a vital role in the development of "community" in Montessori schools. Through their presence at school as volunteers and through a wide range of social events and celebrations, students get to know the families of their friends and grow up with a sense of being part of an extended community. One of our common goals is to lead our students to explore, understand, and grow into full and active