Intellectual development

Brains are flexible organs! In order for the Intellect to develop, the child needs ‘Food for Thought’. Motivation and interest, together with a wide curriculum, provides a solid base for further development.

The Montessori curriculum covers all subjects and gives the opportunity to explore a vast amount of topics. Children are given the opportunity to question. They are not tested and therefore conditioned to come up with the answer someone else has told them. Children develop the attitude that many answers are good, and the ‘right’ answer depends on the circumstances. This divergent thinking mode allows them to become flexible and adaptable.

The brain develops from birth. The first years actually show an enormous development. Therefore experiences and information given to the children are adapted to the age range:

Toddler Community

Even though our culture does not put much emphasis on this age range, very important and intense neuro- networking is going on during this first part of life.
The intellect develops well in a rich environment with multi sensorial experiences. The child needs to be able to touch. New experiences cause neurons to connect with new dendrites and synapses. Therefore, meaningful activities with cause and effect provide a rich foundation for future learning.

Children’s House

Children become conscious of themselves and their environment and start asking, “What is this?”  They love big numbers, big words and challenges! Their absorbent mind takes in new information nearly without effort when the information is directly related to their level of development and world in which they live.
Our school offers a very rich language environment. Children can expand their vocabulary and understanding of concepts by means of many different materials and direct contact with adults and children of different ages. Language enrichment is given through the beginning of geography, history and biology. Learning to write and read starts at app. 3 ½ with sensorial sand paper letters and movable alphabets. It then moves into action words, phrases and little books around the age of 5.
Math is offered through beautiful golden beads and other manipulative materials. Concepts are experienced instead of taught and provide a basis for future abstract work.

Primary

This is the age of wanting to know “Why?” The children love to know what is going on and what are the reasons behind it. Within the integrated subjects, the whole world is presented to the child. Once the basic skills are developed, the children start to research and develop a keen interest in many different topics. The multi-age range ensures that topics are presented at different levels and children can learn from each other. Grammar, writing and reading are in service of the other subjects and are developed as a means by itself. Beginner readers also take books and spelling activities home in order to have further practice.
Mathematics consists of two pillars. Children learn about abstract concepts and memorise the necessary details. Concepts are experienced through very well thought out equipment. They do not just know how to do it, they experience why. Also algebra and geometry form part of the math curriculum in the Primary. By using geometry insets and algebraic cubes, the children become well prepared for these subjects in secondary education.

Middle School

The older children go much deeper into the subjects. The home teacher provides the frame- work and the emotional guidance for children in order to develop harmoniously during this ‘not so easy’ period. The teenagers receive individual attention and mentoring. This helps them feel they have some control over their own lives and at the same time find the enthusiasm to continue with their academic studies.

Specialist teachers now teach the different subjects. Vacancies are filled by adults with a passion in their field. They are not only good communicators, but are thrilled with their topic and experience joy in sharing this with others. It is this joy that we want to get across to the children! At this age, enthusiasm comes through interaction with others!

International Baccalaureate Curriculum: The children in Middle School are exposed to all subjects in accordance with the International Baccalaureate Organisation. The IB encourages the development of students who can work effectively across the subjects and interrelate and integrate knowledge of the different domains. This ultimate aim is very compatible with our school’s aims and objectives: helping children in becoming enthusiastic and well-rounded participants of and contributors to society.