What is Montessori?

What's the main idea?

Montessori is a method of educating that is based on the principle that children have innate curiosity and interest in learning. By presenting the child with the right environment and materials they progress and learn to be self motivated and independent.

An infant is learning all the time, exploring and fascinated by what they see. Montessori teachers believe that this fascination and love of learning is not something that just stops when a child goes to school (or even as they get older), but that all people continue to have the capacity to enjoy learning new things. We strive to help children grow to become increasing inquisitive and knowledgeable about everything and anything! This includes being confident in all the subjects traditionally taught in schools (Maths, English, Science, Latin, French etc) but also much more, such as considering political opinions, asking philosophical questions and being a confident public speaker. Montessori educated children go up to senior schools with a real sense that "anything in the world can be learnt, by me, if I just put my mind to it".....and they do.

How does it work in class?
Montessori classrooms use hands-on equipment, including for English and Maths, which help children see and understand abstract concepts, like place value. Each morning Montessori teachers guide children to select an activity and observe their progress and development. By doing things well children are less likely to be bored or frustrated. Instead, they remember and build on the knowledge and skills learnt and are ultimately more successful. You are unlikely to find long periods of whole class teaching in Montessori schools. This is because each child is at a different place in the curriculum. If you walk into a Montessori class, on a typical morning you would see some children working independently, some children helping one another as a group, and other children being taught new concepts 1:1 with their teacher or a teaching assistant. Careful observations of children form the basis of planning. Teachers are trained to teach in a way which builds on what children already understand.

The way a Montessori class works changes as children get older. See here for details.

Why is it called Montessori?
Maria Montessori was a scientist and doctor who researched and developed the Montessori education method in the early 20th century. In her time she was at the leading edge of education and championed the best available good quality, multi-sensory and self correcting equipment, as we do. Likewise, we use the most up-to-date computers and technology. We are interested in current research, much of which confirms Montessori principles, such as having a hands-on curriculum.

What about the National Curriculum?
The Discovery New School curriculum is broad and balanced and covers all subjects (English, Maths, Science, History & Geography, Art and Drama through topic work, R.E, Latin, French, Music and P.E). Through teaching these subjects in a Montessori way, we also ensure children have covered objectives from the current UK National Curriculum by the end of Key Stage 2.