AGES 12-15

These are two vitally important Montessori principles underlying all that early adolescents do:

• They learn to recognise and to establish their own values – moral, social, personal and ethical – all the values which will help them take their place as responsible contributing members of society;
• They learn social interaction and understanding. During this age they can also become sensitive to music and poetry.

Montessori compares the young adolescent age to the 3-6 age group, in terms of their need for concrete rather than abstract learning. Through the actual running of micro businesses and projects, integrating different learning areas, and consequently creating the opportunity for “hands-on” experience.

Grade 9 students write the IBT (International Bench Mark Test) in English and Mathematics.

From Grade 10 level a more formal uniform is worn to promote an awareness of grooming, which enhances self-esteem and confidence, and helps prepare learners for a business environment.

Programme:

The programme includes Running of Micro Businesses, followed by a three hour working cycle covering the different learning areas. These consist of English, Afrikaans, Mathematics, Life Orientation, Economics and Management Sciences, Arts and Culture, Technology, Natural Sciences and Human and Social Sciences. The students follow the Montessori Cultural Topics of Earth and Living Things, History of Humanity and Human Progress and the Building up of Civilizations during the three year cycle.

As part of the Entrepreneurial programme offered in the Middle School, children are required to bring pocket money at the beginning of each term to pay into their cheque books. The maximum amount is R250 and the minimum is R100. R50 of this is paid directly into their businesses as capital so that the businesses can start operating immediately.

Students write CVs on a termly basis to apply for a particular job within the small businesses that have been created at the school. These include: The Gardens, The Farmyard, cooking and preserves, wood-chopping, catering for and hosting functions, running a tuck-shop, banking, craft and woodwork. Besides the hands-on practical work incorporated in the business, they have to create a business plan, keep books and cheque books, budget, take order, advertise, market their products and sell their produce at the Friday Market. The Hostel allows students to interact daily with their peers, helping them to develop their social skills and establish their values. Mentorship is always on hand.

AGES 15-18

The 15-18 year olds are well on their way to adulthood and being prepared to enter society. The older adolescents master articulation and analysis and move towards meta-cognition; the pragmatic solution to problems. They are more emotionally stable, their interpersonal relationships become more consistent and they achieve a moral maturity. Montessori felt that high schools need to guide young persons to independence and adapt them to social life, in conjunction with developing their intellect.

These young persons are “specialised explorers” and a career should have potential both for individual financial reward and for making a meaningful contribution to society. Parents and teachers assist students to know their strengths and weaknesses to help them to gain self-knowledge and guide them in their career choices. These students also study the Montessori Philosophy and stages of development to advance their self-knowledge and help them interact with younger children.

Programme:

The high school classes are more in line with traditional teaching, where a timetable is followed and students change classes. The programme is balanced with educational outings and tours, relating to their subjects.

Students are encouraged to study and think independently and teachers are facilitators of learning.