Maria Montessori always looked at the child’s education in relation to the child.  The child has different needs at different stages. The child forms his/her personality, develops and acquires independence along the way.

0-3 and 3-6: Children between the age of birth and six possess an “absorbent mind”.  This almost genius capacity for mental absorption enables them to learn their native tongue, to perfect movement and internalise order. Maria Montessori observed that children also experience Sensitive Periods in their development.  These are periods of special sensitivity when the child is attracted to certain stimuli in his or her environment allowing them to acquire certain knowledge and skills.  These periods occur universally for all children at approximately the same age and provide the time for optimal development of that particular skill or knowledge.

6-9: The six to nine year stage sees a move towards peers and the involvement of the child’s powerful imagination as a tool for learning.  It is a period that sees the final acquisition and consolidation of all the basic skills; a time of great effort and endeavour.

9-12: The children who have reached the nine to twelve year stage have, so to speak, “the world at their feet”!  In terms of what they can achieve, the sky’s the limit.

12-18: The early adolescent was described by Maria Montessori as being as emotionally vulberable as a newborn infant is phsyically vulberable. We take great care to support the adoelscent in their development and respect their need for self-expression.  

The advantages of being in a multi-age, co-educational situation with its strong friendship bonds are even more important now for the development of leadership roles and social skills as these children prepare themselves to become young adults.  They are now ready to organise their work, fit in with timetables, meet standards and expectations.  This is essential.  However, they can do so without becoming permanently bound by them.  After all, they will have to do so soon enough.

Transition between phases: We aim to be flexible with transition and use observation to understand the intricacies of each individual child's developmental journey. 

0-3 into 3-6 - This can happen any time after the child's 3rd birthday and once they are fully toilet trained.  Please ensure you have completed an Application for Enrolment Form to ensure you are on our waitlist for 3-6/Junior Primary.

3-6 Part-time to Full-time - This is a very gradual and gentle transition process. Parents of part-time children stay in close contact with their child's class teacher about their attendance.  See below for a general guideline:

* Meet and Greet - After the Enrolment process and you have received your Letter of Offer of a place you will be invited by your child's new teacher to attend this with your child in their new classroom. 
* Orientation Day - The first day your child attends.
* 3 half days - About 4 weeks, as an orientation period.
* 5 half days - Until around your child's 4th birthday, although can be different for every child.
* Extended Day Program - Full days on offer for part-time children. Request an enrolment form from the office. 
* Gradual build up to 5 full days - Your child's class teacher will formulate a plan with you for this. 

3-6 into 6-9 - Usually during either the child's Pre-Primary year or their Year 1 year of schooling. Can happen middle of the year or end of the year.

6-9 into 9-12 - Usually during either the child's Year 3 or Year 4 year of schooling. Can happen middle of the year or end of the year. 

9-12 into 12-18 - Students in our school can make a smooth transition from the primary section of our school into secondary without it being a big and overwhelming change. 

We ackowledge that every child is different and so we aim to provide flexibility with transition with the children's ultimate benefit in mind.  Transition timing is not just based on your child's birthday but on their social, emotional and academic development, as well as that of other children in their current and receiving cohorts.  Please speak to your child's class teacher or request a copy of our Transition Policy if you would like further information.