Primary

YEAR 1 – YEAR 6

Maria Montessori termed the second plane of development the Intellectual Period.  This is the time when the child has a huge appetite for knowledge.  According to Maria Montessori, the child is now on the threshold of reasoning – “Now they will occupy themselves with the how and why.  They are beginning to become aware of the problems of cause and effect.”  Children are also developing a moral sense.

Our Wattle (Year 1 & 2) and Marri (Year 3 & 4) classrooms provide students with a wide range of Montessori and other materials to help them explore and learn.  The equipment is on shelves within easy reach of the students.  Once the student has been introduced to a particular piece of equipment by the teacher and shown its purpose, the student is ready to take it from the shelf and use it.  Social and personal development continues to be nurtured in both Wattle and Marri.  Students in this age-range often work in groups, enhancing leadership skills and social responsibility.

In these classes, student interactions are with others whose age and abilities are varied, and we believe that this helps our students to gain an appreciation for their achievements and the accomplishments of others, while being challenged by the achievements of their fellow students.

By the time students reach the age of nine, they begin to move away from the use of equipment and towards a more abstract exploration of the world.  Students are encouraged to make connections between subject areas.  Computers, iPads and other technologies are increasingly used as learning tools.

In our Karri (Year 5 & 6) classroom the academic curriculum is supported by activities and routines which promote independence and an understanding of their place in the world and their responsibility for it.  Learning becomes incrementally more abstract and the prepared learning environment increasing complex as students ready themselves for secondary school.

Specialist subjects including Music, Visual Art, Science & STEM, Physical Education, and Japanese are an important part of the curriculum throughout all of the Primary School.

Secondary

Years 7 – 10