The Philosophy

Maria Montessoris view of education was child-oriented. It was her intention to formulate a system that allowed children to develop their potential in a non-competitive, caring and carefully planned environment, free of rewards and punishment.

She studied the needs of children and then proceeded to provide a way for these needs to be met. In the Montessori classroom, children are never told what to do by the teacher, for the teachers role is to guide rather than lead. The children work with specially prepared equipment drawn from a broad-based curriculum, and they are able to choose which activity they want to do. This "structured freedom" helps foster self-discipline, independence and initiative.

Socially the children are placed in a unique environment, as there is a three--year age range in each classroom. This allows them to learn from each other, and encourages the older children to help their younger classmates. All the children learn to respect the work of others and to respond flexibly to new situations.

There are no examinations at a Montessori school - the child advances as he masters progressively more complex skills. In a relatively short time the children develop a very positive attitude towards themselves and to their work. Perhaps this is to be expected in an education system that considers the all--round development of the child to be its primary goal.