MONTESSORI SCHOOLS MAKING NOISE ON THE EDUCATION LANDSCAPE


Recent studies confirm that children develop 50 per cent of their mature intelligence in the first four years of life and between the ages of 4 and 8, they develop another 30 per cent.


Visionary Italian educator, Dr Maria Montessori knew this when she opened her first child centred classroom in 1907.


Today, this child-centred pedagogy has been adopted all over the world. In the UK, interest in Montessori nurseries surged earlier this year after Prince George was enrolled in a London Montessori.


In post-recession Ireland, the number of Montessori-based pre -schools is growing, as more parents are choosing it,


over more traditional models. Demand for places in the small number of private Montessori primary schools that fully embrace the new primary school curriculum is also growing.


While it doesn’t suit all, most children who attend Montessori flourish, developing not only independence and self-confidence, but also a welcome love of school and love of learning, thanks to the teaching style.


At St Nicholas Montessori College, Dun Laoghaire (SNMCI) Director, Ian McKenna sees fluidity as part of the beauty of the Montessori teaching method.


“It’s almost like the child is the owner of their learning. The environment is set up for them and as they navigate their way through that environment, they talk and exchange.


The Children’s House Thornhill


A Montessori class is not a quiet class, it’s a noisy class where children are talking to each other and they are sharing and learning and play is absolutely important.”


He is working strenuously to have Montessori officially recognised as part of the landscape of the education system.


The Children’s House Thornhill


Montessori Primary Lower Kilmacud Road


Stillorgan Co Dublin


For Children age 3- 12 years Tel 01 2880417


info@childrenshouseschool.ie www.childrenshouseschool.ie


16 Primary Times WINTER ISSUE


“Our engagement with the Teaching Council is with the objective of having Montessori graduates with full recognition working within the primary school system.”


Funding remains a contentious issue, even with some state support for pre-school years.


St Nicholas Montessori college is co-located with St Nicholas primary school where children aged 3-12 are taught using the Montessori method. Enrolment here is increasing and the school, with an estimated 100 pupils is currently at capacity.


“Our teachers are not paid by the state. They are paid by the


fees that come in from parents.


“My wish would be for the state to recognise the capacity to have diverse approaches within the model of delivery of primary education,” said the college director.


St Nicholas Montessori School is one of an estimated 15 Montessori primary schools in Ireland which cater for children in the 6-12 years, teaching the curriculum using the Montessori method.


can only learn at that pace if they are happy. That’s the first thing, and the second thing is that they are able to deal emotionally and socially with the difficulties they come up against, in today’s modern world.”


Seeing how delighted the children are to be there, makes the teaching worthwhile.


At the 35 year old Sharavogue Montessori School in Glenageary, Gillian Dawson, Vice-Principal, explained that while demand is there, the school would struggle to survive were it not for the other services provided, including crèche and after-school facilities.


“We work as a team. For us, it’s about the whole development of the child. We don’t just prepare them academically, although they all do very well, and can reach their full potential. But they


“They have a love of learning. You see them skipping in every morning, they are so happy. They are coming out happy and confident kids and that’s what we see, and that foundation is there and can carry them through.”


Over the last 24 years Horizons Montessori School in Templeogue has remained true to the wonderful ethos developed by Maria Montessori.


Fiona O’Kelly (Principal) says,


“We believe that every child should be treated with dignity and respect and when you use positive encouragement we can see each child flourish.


Sharavogue Montessori Primary School (Est. 1983)


Age 3.5years – 12 years


“A great school for a child, for the one childhood he or she will have”


• Small Classes – Mixed Age Groups Boys & Girls Welcome


• Individual Attention guaranteed • Dedicated Learning Support Teacher • Large Outdoor area and Playground •Variety of Extra Curricular activities


Enrolling now for September 2017 Please contact us for more information.


Upper Glenageary Road, Glenageary, Co. Dublin. Tel (01) 2858546 Email : info@sharavogue.ie www.sharavogue.ie (Principal : Betty Allen)


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