Montessori Education is an educational system based on profound respect for the child’s personality, helping each child grow in all areas of their development. The Montessori Approach differs from other educational approaches because it is based on the principle of freedom within a carefully prepared environment suitable to the nature of the child. The role of the teacher is also a differing point. In the Montessori classroom the teacher is known as a “guide” – she guides, directs and observes the child and one of her main functions is to prepare the environment for the child.
The Port Elizabeth Montessori School operates implementing Dr. Montessori’s philosophy, within the context of our modern society. The underlying philosophy at the School is “learning to love to learn” and everything that occurs within the School will be aimed at achieving this.
Montessori classrooms embrace freedom within limits while recognising the importance of balance. Each class establishes its own “ground rules” based on the core Montessori values of respect for others and the environment.
Children are granted the freedom to work at their own pace, choosing materials that interest them. The directress, through careful observation, determines when to introduce new activities, fostering active, positive, and self-directed learning.
The three-year age span and learning cycle within each class creates a nurturing, family-like environment. Older children share their knowledge with younger peers, reinforcing their own learning. This promotes cooperation rather than competition among the students.
Our middle school started in 2019 and uses a blended approach. Montessori Pedagogy remains our foundation, with Cambridge International being our choice of academic curriculum.
In middle school (roughly equivalent to grade 7 and 8), the students engage in their academic studies using the Cambridge International Lower Secondary curriculum. In addition to this, they have opportunities to engage in IT Skills and Coding, Environmental Management, Art, Drama and Physical Education.
In our High School environment, the students begin their IGCSE studies using Cambridge International curricula. We offer a range of subjects that meet the needs of individual students. We offer Cambridge International subjects up to AS level, with a selected number of subjects extended to A-Level.
We are a Cambridge International associate school through our partnership with Generation Schools and are a registered examination centre for Cambridge International Assessment. The Montessori Approach is used synergistically with Cambridge International, giving our students the best of both worlds.
