Elementary Curriculum

In Montessori's words "...let us give (the child) a vision of the whole universe. The universe is an imposing reality, and an answer to all questions. We shall walk together on this path of life, for all things are part of the universe, and are connected with each other to form one whole unity".

The elementary curriculum is based on Montessori's Cosmic Education, sometimes called the Five Lessons, which are introduced to pupils over a period of time and incorporate a large variety of subjects and learning.

The lessons form the backbone of the curriculum and are often the starting point, or sparks an interest, for others exploration, projects, collaborations or individual interests. All subjects in the curriculum are linked and interwoven with the emphasis on a broad, full and exciting learning environment.

Montessori viewed the child of 6 as entering the second phase of development with a controlled hand, a sense of order, the ability to work independently, and whilst the child continues to learn by manipulating materials, the child is increasingly able to think abstractly. Having already acquired the basis of culture the child is keen to build on it and learn more. The child wants to understand relationships - the 'why' behind facts and events.

Cosmic Education

What is the benefit of beginning with the big picture, of sharing the concept of the universe with the child of only six years of age? The vastness of the universe sparks the child's interest and curiosity, inspiring admiration and wonder. It broadens the child's understanding by giving a framework by which the child can organise knowledge, while sowing seeds for greater exploration of their own areas of interest. Through this, the child's "intelligence become whole...because of the vision of the whole which has been presented to him."

Montessori believed that the "goal of good teaching is to enthuse (the child) to his inmost core". The enormity of the story of the cosmos lights up the child's imagination and inspires the child throughout life to dig deeper into areas of study which hold most meaning for them.

1. Coming of the Universe

Explaining how our planet came into being. Over the course of the elementary years, this lesson begins the study of astronomy, chemistry, physics, geology and geography.

2. Coming of Life

The appearance of living organisms on Earth, beginning with single-celled plants and animals up to the emergence of humans. Through hands on work with the timeline of life, students gain an overall impression of the great diversity of the microorganisms, plants and animals that have appeared at specific times to inhabit the Earth. This lesson opens the doors to the study of plants and animal classifications, habitats, anatomy, fossils, and life through different eras, as well as periods of extinction.

3. Coming of Humans

Pupils are introduced to the timeline of humans and begin to examine from prehistoric through modern times, how humans have lived, met their fundamental needs, created music, art, culture, religions and interacted with the natural world and each other.

4. Story of Writing

History of the development of a capacity that is uniquely human - the capacity for written language. Students study different forms of writing that have evolved over the centuries and consider perhaps for the first time the impact of the recorded word and the body of knowledge that exists today.

5. Story of Numbers

Beginning with the simplest counting systems of early civilisations it explores how different number systems developed though history in different parts of the world. With this lesson as an introduction, students eventually study the many branches of mathematics and their application, including numeration, basic operations, fractions, decimals, algebra, geometry, measurement, estimation and money concepts.

These stories serve both as a springboard into future studies and as a unifying point of reference for the child's knowledge and all the lessons of the classroom.

Montessori's curriculum is broad and inclusive, providing a balance of academic learning, access to nature, the arts, sport, music, practical skills and emotional and social development.