We have two classes for children aged five to seven years. Les Etoiles de Mer (Starfish) and Les Baleines (Whales).
Learning
In line with the Montessori method, when children reach the Lower School they begin to use a 'worklist'. Every morning, upon arrival, each child writes a list of tasks to work on during their three hour work cycle. This list includes maths, writing, reading, language and culture. Children work through the list in any order, working independently, with a friend, in a small group or alongside their key teacher. Each child works their way through a broad curriculum which includes spelling, grammar, comprehension, reading, maths, science and culture, at their own pace.
At lunch time children participate in both free play and organised games in Grimaldi Park.
Research plays a large part of the Montessori Primary Curriculum. The children are taught research skills by following a research model, in order to autonomously answer their own questions about the world. All research work is supported and extended with a minimum of two trips per term.
In the afternoons, children experience a broad range of activities and specialist-taught lessons, such as French, physical education, yoga, music, recorder and science.
Children develop self-discipline, organisation and prioritising skills. The Montessori primary school establishes the foundations for independent, life-long learning.
P.E. and Games
Children are given the opportunity to take part in many different activities during the school day. All children in Lower School have a weekly swimming lesson. During these lessons, the children are split into four different swimming groups enabling differentiation throughout. This allows the children to feel either comfortable or challenged, depending on their individual needs. The children also take part in one P.E. lesson and one Games lesson every week. P.E. lessons last for 45 minutes and concentrate on technical teaching, co-ordination skills and movement patterns. Games lessons last for 60 minutes and are held at Islington Tennis Centre. Activities change regularly, so the children get the opportunity to experience a broad range of physical exercise.