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Independent, intellectual, physical, social and emotional development.
Learning in peace. Growing in confidence.
Building on the foundation of lower primary, our upper primary Montessori classes encompass all spheres of development: intellectual, physical, social and emotional.
It is a period of consolidation in children’s growth when they interact in a socially conscious way, applying their energies to their chosen activities. At this age, children tend to gravitate towards others in their environment as they are no longer solitary beings, and they often choose to work with their peers on projects of mutual interest.
The ability to function purposefully and productively as part of a harmonious group and, more broadly, the wider world – is at the heart of Montessori education.
Only through freedom and environmental experience is it practically possible for human development to occur.”
– Dr Maria Montessori
Navigating childhood in the second plane.
A period when children use reasoning, abstract thought and imagination to explore and develop their understanding of the world.
Montessori based her educational philosophy on the idea that children develop through a series of four planes. At this age (9-12), children are in the second half of the second plane of development, which means that they consolidate their achievements in preparation for the next cycle.
Want to know more about Montessori’s planes of development? Check out our glossary:
Working independently and respectfully.
We promote a more conceptual exploration of the environment as the children move from concrete to abstract learning. We do this through Cosmic Education, which Maria Montessori described as the interconnectedness of all things and a way for children to understand the universe around them. This includes applying reading, writing, critical thinking, discussing and questioning skills.
Children have the freedom to choose activities within the prepared environment inside the classroom or in the wider nature grounds of the School – these activities may include practising music in the bush classroom, work in the garden, or reading under a tree.
Children’s choices are respected, as we understand that self-reliance, independence and personality develop while making positive decisions. During their time in the upper primary class, children encounter a variety of learning experiences – combinations of lessons and independent activities, all of which are student-centred.
A thirst for knowledge and a strong desire for intellectual independence.
Through purposeful activities within the prepared environment, the children develop both their inner faculties and their consciousness of others in the world.
Our program takes advantage of this period of enthusiasm and cultural awareness by providing a wide range of opportunities for children to explore their culture, and that of others, through the study of history, geography, language, arts and science.
The prepared environment has been carefully designed to entice and inspire children to pursue knowledge in all learning areas – we present children with a well-organised and orderly classroom, which promotes purposeful work, effort and concentration.
It is important to bring the child out into the world.
Children at this age often suggest, plan and budget for outings – these might be individual, small groups or for the whole class – such as attending the Western Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO) open rehearsals in Perth, visiting the Perth Zoo, and enjoying an exhibition at the Maritime Museum.
The Montessori National Curriculum is approved by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA).
The primary academic curriculum covers:
- Language (English & German)
- Mathematics, Geometry and Measurement
- Cosmic Education (Humanities and Social Sciences, Science, and Technologies )
- Creative Arts
- Health and Physical Education
“Preventing conflicts is the work of politics: establishing peace is the work of education.”
– Dr Maria Montessori