Upper Secondary (ages 16 to 18)

Continuing the Montessori Journey through the International Baccalaureate

At The Montessori School Kingsley, we believe that the International Baccalaureate (IB) is a natural and seamless continuation of a Montessori education. Both approaches are deeply committed to nurturing independent, curious learners who are globally minded, socially responsible, and intrinsically motivated.

We offer the IB because its values closely reflect the principles that underpin everything we do:

• Child-centred learning
• A focus on method and process over rote content
• Promotion of individual inquiry and discovery
• Emphasis on community, peace education, and social responsibility
• Encouragement of self-discipline and intrinsic motivation
• Valuing cultural diversity and fostering global citizenship
• Respect for deep, focused, uninterrupted work

Our Upper Secondary programme continues this educational journey, offering an environment where students can live these principles every day. Students in Years 10, 11, and 12 learn in our purpose-built Upper Secondary Building, opened in early 2025. With seven flexible learning spaces spread across two floors, the building is designed to support collaborative projects, independent inquiry, and a strong sense of community — ensuring that self-directed learning, critical thinking, and global citizenship remain at the heart of every student’s experience.

The Programmes

Pre-International Baccalaureate Programme (PIBP)

The PIBP is a dedicated transition year for Year 10 students as they move from Lower Secondary into the International Baccalaureate space, whether they are preparing for the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) or the IB Career-related Programme (IBCP).

Firmly grounded in Montessori principles—individualised learning, respect, independence, and the development of an absorbed mind—the PIBP aligns naturally with the IB Learner Profile attributes such as being inquirers, thinkers, balanced, and caring.

The PIBP blends:

• WA Curriculum (Year 10) and the Montessori National Curriculum
  Specialist classes delivered by IB teachers
• Shared activities with Lower Secondary (e.g., Microeconomy Program) and IB students (e.g., Theory of Knowledge events, Creativity, Activity, Service projects)
• Exposure to future pathways through TAFE taster incursions, career information events, and real-world experiences

While it serves as preparation for the rigours of IB study, the Pre-IB year is also designed to be a memorable and meaningful experience in its own right—full of growth, exploration, and opportunity.

Click here for more details on the PIBP.

PIBP

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)

Our IBDP is a natural continuation of a Montessori education: academically rigorous, internationally recognised, and grounded in independent inquiry.

We were proud to become the first Montessori school in the world to offer the IBDP in 1993. Since then, Montessori schools globally have adopted the IBDP as the ideal way to continue the Montessori philosophy into senior secondary years.

The IBDP prepares students to:

• Develop critical thinking, communication, and research skills
• Engage deeply across six academic subjects and the Core (Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service)
• Balance academic excellence with personal growth and global citizenship

Universities and employers around the world recognise the IBDP for its academic challenge and for nurturing knowledgeable, principled, open-minded young adults who are prepared for tertiary study and beyond.

Our students benefit from modern, flexible learning spaces designed for both face-to-face teaching and independent work, fostering autonomy and collaboration.

Click here for more details on the IBDP.

IBDP

International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP)

As of 2023, we are proud to be the only school in Western Australia offering the IBCP.

The IBCP blends academic study with real-world, vocational learning, preparing students for a range of futures—further education, apprenticeships, or direct employment. It is built on four key pillars:

• Personal and Professional Skills – building essential life and workplace skills
• Community Engagement – meaningful contribution to the community
• Reflective Project – independent research into an ethical issue related to a career focus
• Language and Cultural Studies – developing language abilities and intercultural understanding

In addition, students complete a Vocational Education and Training Delivered to Secondary Students (VETDSS) course through TAFE or an equivalent provider, gaining a nationally recognised qualification in their chosen field.

The IBCP empowers students with critical thinking, professional skills, adaptability, and the confidence to forge their own path—whether that’s higher education, work, or further training.

Click here for more details on the IBDP.

IBCP

Staff Perspective

Watch Diana unpacking what the IB is all about! She also talks about our school, her students, and how our school is putting students at the centre of their own learning.