Growing Together

Montessori classrooms are communities where children learn to work with others, contribute, take responsibility and care for the people and environment around them.

In a mixed-age community, children experience being both learners and leaders, learning from others as they grow and sharing their own knowledge and experience in return.

Supporting children through to the end of Year 6, Montessori provides continuity and a strong sense of belonging as children grow and develop together.

Learning in a Montessori Classroom

Montessori Primary is designed to support the way children naturally learn, nurturing curiosity, independence, confidence and a love of learning.

Montessori classrooms are carefully prepared environments where children can work independently, collaborate with others and learn alongside their teachers. Hands-on Montessori materials, small-group lessons and uninterrupted work periods give children time to practise skills, deepen their understanding and make connections across their learning.

Learning That Sparks Curiosity

Teachers introduce new ideas through stories, discussion and hands-on experiences designed to spark curiosity and encourage further exploration.

A lesson can become the starting point for a much bigger journey. Children have opportunities to ask questions, investigate ideas, follow their interests and take their learning further through research, creativity and discovery.

Growing Independence

Children have opportunities to make choices about their work and take increasing responsibility for their learning.

With guidance from their teachers, they develop the skills to plan their work, manage their time, persevere with challenges and take ownership of their progress.

Learning Together

Mixed-age classrooms are an important part of Montessori. Children learn alongside others at different ages and stages, giving them opportunities to learn from older peers, support younger children and grow into leadership over time.

This creates a collaborative community where children share ideas, solve problems and learn with and from one another.

Cosmic Education: A Connected View of the World

At the heart of Montessori Primary is Cosmic Education, an approach that helps children discover the interconnectedness of the world and their place within it.

Beginning with the big picture, including the story of the universe, life and human history, children are introduced to ideas that spark their imagination and lead to further exploration across science, geography, history, language, mathematics, culture and the arts.

As children begin to see how people, places and the natural world are connected, they are also encouraged to consider their own role within that bigger picture. Respect, responsibility, care for others and care for the environment are woven through this learning.

Cosmic Education aims not only to develop knowledge, but to nurture curious, thoughtful and compassionate children who understand that they have something to contribute to the world around them.

Growing as a Learner

Alongside academic learning, Montessori supports children to develop perseverance, resilience and confidence in themselves as learners.

The aim is to nurture curious, capable and compassionate children who are increasingly able to think for themselves, work with others and take responsibility for their learning.

Montessori classes at Arataki and Bellevue are part of their wider school communities and learning frameworks.