Montessori Early Childhood Teaching Diploma [ages 2½-6 years] (Full-time Course)
Montessori Early Childhood Teaching Diploma [ages 2½-6 years] (Part-time Course)
Postgraduate Certificate in Montessori Education
A Montessori Parents' Course (Part-time Evening Course)
Baby and Toddler Diploma Course [ages 0-3 years] (Part-time Evening Course)
Montessori Primary Diploma [ages 6-9 years] (Part-time Course)
This course provides full-time training for those wishing to work with, or (later) be in charge of nurseries for, children in the age-range 2½ - 6 years.
What are the Entry Qualifications?
Candidates who are aged 18-21 years normally require two 'A' levels or equivalent (e.g. International Baccalaureate or GNVQ 3). Students without these may be accepted, subject to their being able to demonstrate (via written work and interview) that they could cope successfully with the work. A good school reference is required and, preferably, evidence of satisfactory work experience with children.
Mature students (22+) are accepted on the basis of their personal qualities and experience. No specific examination passes are required, but an appropriate ability with the English language must be demonstrated.
How is the Course Structured?
The course consists of three components:
One: Knowledge of Childcare and Education - an introduction to the psychology and development of pre-school children.
Two: Use of the Montessori Apparatus - the Montessori Method involves the use of specialised teaching materials, and instruction in their use is provided.
Three: Teaching Practice - there is an assessed period of teaching practice.
It is assessed by coursework throughout the course, and also by practical and theory examinations at the end.
Students attend the centre in Chiddingstone two days a week, in term times only, for a year. The other 2½/3 days a week are spent in a Montessori nursery, which will be arranged (as far as possible) to be near the student's home.
What does the Course Cover?
| Module Title | Summary of Content |
| The Child's Environment | The ideal nursery environment, nature v nurture debate, safety, Government regulations, integration, parental co-operation |
| The Teacher's Task | Preparation of the teacher, motivation, levels of obedience, normalisation, recognising sensitive periods, child protection |
| How Children Develop | Norms of child development, physical, intellectual, emotional, personality and social development, sensitive periods, pampered/deviant/weak children, causes of behavioural/developmental problems |
| Observing Children | Methods of observation, choice, use and evaluation of methods, variations of settings, children's rights |
| How Children Think and Learn | Learning theories, e.g. behaviourist, cognitive and social learning; concept formation, Bruner, Piaget, Vygotsky; learning problems e.g. SLD; play and work, different types of play e.g. solitary, co-operative. Learning through play; different learning styles and different teaching strategies; group/individual teaching, evaluation of learning |
| Creative Work | Montessori on creativity, imagination and fantasy; artwork with different media suitable for nursery children, process not product, art appreciation; music, movement dance and drama in the whole curriculum, the' topic wheel'; using a variety of teaching strategies for aesthetic subjects |
| Module Title | Summary of Content |
| Life Skills | The Montessori work cycle, practical life skills exercises, developing gross and fine motor control, value of cultural diversity |
| Educating the Senses | Rationale for sensory education, sensorial education exercises, exploration of sound, colour, texture, shape and spacial form in 2 or 3 dimensions, special needs |
| Teaching about the World | The sun, as star and as source of energy, Solar system; Earth, shape and structure; land, air and water forms; Continents and countries, cultural diversity; mapping; Variety of living things, classification; Habitats, life-cycles; Concepts of time, personal time lines, annual changes; Prehistoric time line, eras |
| Language and Literacy | Language as it involves speaking, listening, reading and writing; Language acquisition, language and thought, norms of development; preparation through rhymes, practical life/sensorial programmes, other skills; different approaches to the teaching of reading; writing skills, introduction of grammar |
| Early Mathematics | Preparing the child through earlier Montessori exercises, also sorting into sets, matching, number rhymes and stories, games, calendar time, movement, sequencing, shopping, work with clay etc.; moving from concrete to abstract; the Montessori maths materials; the four basic functions. |
| Module Title | Summary of Content |
| Classroom Skills | Relating the setting to the local community, observation, keeping records, self evaluation, presentations of apparatus, health and safety, reviewing books |
| Child Study | Child study based on observations and assessment; preparation and delivery of a group project; organisation of the day; evaluation |
| Nursery Management | Professional behaviour, policy writing and implementation e.g. equal opportunities, SEN Code of Practice, discipline policy; Government regulations; Setting up - premises, recruiting and retaining staff, professional development; parental partnerships; stress; finances and tax affairs. |
When is the Diploma Awarded?
The Diploma is awarded on satisfactory attendance (minimum 90%) and completion of all the course assessments, to at least a satisfactory standard:
Written coursework, set throughout the course
Production of reference files on the practical materials
Detailed observations of children
Making of language and cultural teaching materials
Two three hour written examinations
An individual practical examination
Satisfactory completion of 400 hours practice teaching
Visits to oversee the teaching practice
Additional coursework, based on the practical experience
Is the Course Accreditated?
This course is accredited by the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education, an international body based in the U.S.A. (see the MACTE website for details). This is the only Montessori qualification in the U.K. to be accredited in this way.
The course (through our sister company, Montessori Assessment & Education Ltd) is also accredited by the Open University and is eligable for the award of 120 CATS (Credit Accumulation and Transfer System) points (see the OU credit transfer website). This may give advance standing of up to a year for an appropriate degree course. This is also the only Montessori qualification in the U.K. to be accredited in this way.
The course is also accepted by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) as giving qualified status under the Children Act, i.e. it is suitable for people to be in charge of nurseries (see the Children's Workforce Development Council website for details).
This course provides part-time training for those wishing to work with, or (later) be in charge of nurseries for, children in the age-range 2 1/2 - 6 years. It is particularly suitable for mature students who wish to combine their studies wih a job or child-care.
What are the Entry Qualifications?
Candidates who are aged 18-21 years normally require two 'A' levels or equivalent (e.g. International Baccalaureate or GNVQ 3). Students without these may be accepted, subject to their being able to demonstrate (via written work and interview) that they could cope successfully with the work. A good school reference is required and, preferably, evidence of satisfactory work experience with children.
Mature students are accepted on the basis of their personal qualities and experience. No specific examination passes are required, but an appropriate ability with the English language must be demonstrated.
How is the Course Structured?
The course consists of three components:
One: Knowledge of Childcare and Education - an introduction to the psychology and development of pre-school children.
Two: Use of the Montessori Apparatus - the Montessori Method involves the use of specialised teaching materials, and instruction in their use is provided.
Three: Teaching Practice - there is an assessed period of teaching practice.
It is assessed by coursework throughout the course, and also by practical and theory examinations at the end.
The structure of the course differs from the full-time course in that attendance at the centre is on one day a week only, term-times, for a year. This means that a great deal more work must be done in the student's own time. The teaching practice is then normally started after the examinations (though in certain circumstances - e.g. a student who is already working in a Montessori nursery - it may be done alongside the other part of the course) and it may be done on a flexi-time basis (e.g. two/three mornings a week).
What does the Course Cover?
| Module Title | Summary of Content |
| The Child's Environment | The ideal nursery environment, nature v nurture debate, safety, Government regulations, integration, parental co-operation |
| The Teacher's Task | Preparation of the teacher, motivation, levels of obedience, normalisation, recognising sensitive periods, child protection |
| How Children Develop | Norms of child development, physical, intellectual, emotional, personality and social development, sensitive periods, pampered/deviant/weak children, causes of behavioural/developmental problems |
| Observing Children | Methods of observation, choice, use and evaluation of methods, variations of settings, children's rights |
| How Children Think and Learn | Learning theories, e.g. behaviourist, cognitive and social learning; concept formation, Bruner, Piaget, Vygotsky; learning problems e.g. SLD; play and work, different types of play e.g. solitary, co-operative. Learning through play; different learning styles and different teaching strategies; group/individual teaching, evaluation of learning |
| Creative Work | Montessori on creativity, imagination and fantasy; artwork with different media suitable for nursery children, process not product, art appreciation; music, movement dance and drama in the whole curriculum, the' topic wheel'; using a variety of teaching strategies for aesthetic subjects |
Component Two: Use of the Montessori Apparatus
| Module Title | Summary of Content |
| Life Skills | The Montessori work cycle, practical life skills exercises, developing gross and fine motor control, value of cultural diversity |
| Educating the Senses | Rationale for sensory education, sensorial education exercises, exploration of sound, colour, texture, shape and spacial form in 2 or 3 dimensions, special needs |
| Teaching about the World | The sun, as star and as source of energy, Solar system; Earth, shape and structure; land, air and water forms; Continents and countries, cultural diversity; mapping; Variety of living things, classification; Habitats, life-cycles; Concepts of time, personal time lines, annual changes; Prehistoric time line, eras |
| Language and Literacy | Language as it involves speaking, listening, reading and writing; Language acquisition, language and thought, norms of development; preparation through rhymes, practical life/sensorial programmes, other skills; different approaches to the teaching of reading; writing skills, introduction of grammar |
| Early Mathematics | Preparing the child through earlier Montessori exercises, also sorting into sets, matching, number rhymes and stories, games, calendar time, movement, sequencing, shopping, work with clay etc.; moving from concrete to abstract; the Montessori maths materials; the four basic functions. |
Component Three: Teaching Practice
| Module Title | Summary of Content |
| Classroom Skills | Relating the setting to the local community, observation, keeping records, self evaluation, presentations of apparatus, health and safety, reviewing books |
| Child Study | Child study based on observations and assessment; preparation and delivery of a group project; organisation of the day; evaluation |
| Nursery Management | Professional behaviour, policy writing and implementation e.g. equal opportunities, SEN Code of Practice, discipline policy; Government regulations; Setting up - premises, recruiting and retaining staff, professional development; parental partnerships; stress; finances and tax affairs. |
When is the Diploma Awarded?
The Diploma is awarded on satisfactory attendance (minimum 90%) and completion of all the course assessments::
Written coursework, set throughout the course
Production of reference files on the practical materials
Detailed observations of children
Making of language and cultural teaching materials
Two three hour written examinations
An individual practical examination
Satisfactory completion of 400 hours practice teaching
Visits to oversee the teaching practice
Additional coursework, based on the practical experience
Is the Course Accreditated?
This course is accredited by MACTE (Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education), an international body based in the U.S.A. (see www.macte.org for details). This is the only Montessori qualification in the U.K. to be accredited in this way.
As the course is accepted by certain Colleges of Higher Education, successful students not only receive their Diploma, they may also gain up to one year's credit towards a B.A. or B.Ed. degree course.
The course is also accepted by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) as giving qualified status under the Children Act, i.e. it is suitable for people to be in charge of nurseries (see the Surestart website for details).
This Montessori Qualification provides part-time training for graduates wishing to work with, or (later) be in charge of nurseries for, children in the age-range 2½ - 6 years.
What are the Entry Qualifications?
A bachelor's degree (in any subject) from a British University, or a qualification of recognised equivalent status from an approved institution, or qualified teacher status from the DfES.
How is the Course Structured?
The course consists of three components:
One: Knowledge of Childcare and Education - an introduction to the psychology and development of pre-school children.
Two: Use of the Montessori Apparatus - the Montessori Method involves the use of specialised teaching materials, and instruction in their use is provided.
Three: Research Project - In addition to the taught part of the course, postgraduate students produce a 10,000 word dissertation based on a short research project. This will require attendance at some Saturday seminars
on research methodology in the first term, and then individual tutorials. The project will be of the standard of a pilot study for a master's degree.
It is assessed by coursework throughout the course, and also by practical and theory examinations at the end.
The structure of the course differs from the full-time course in that attendance at the centre is on one day a week only, term-times, for a year. This means that a great deal more work must be done in the student's own time. A teaching practice may be started after the examinations (though in certain circumstances - e.g. a student who is already working in a Montessori nursery - it may be done alongside the other part of the course) and it may be done on a flexi-time basis (e.g. two/three mornings a week). In this case the diploma is awarded.
What does the Course Cover?
| Module Title | Summary of Content |
| The Child's Environment | The ideal nursery environment, nature v nurture debate, safety, Government regulations, integration, parental co-operation |
| The Teacher's Task | Preparation of the teacher, motivation, levels of obedience, normalisation, recognising sensitive periods, child protection |
| How Children Develop | Norms of child development, physical, intellectual, emotional, personality and social development, sensitive periods, pampered/deviant/weak children, causes of behavioural/developmental problems |
| Observing Children | Methods of observation, choice, use and evaluation of methods, variations of settings, children's rights |
| How Children Think and Learn | Learning theories, e.g. behaviourist, cognitive and social learning; concept formation, Bruner, Piaget, Vygotsky; learning problems e.g. SLD; play and work, different types of play e.g. solitary, co-operative. Learning through play; different learning styles and different teaching strategies; group/individual teaching, evaluation of learning |
| Creative Work | Montessori on creativity, imagination and fantasy; artwork with different media suitable for nursery children, process not product, art appreciation; music, movement dance and drama in the whole curriculum, the' topic wheel'; using a variety of teaching strategies for aesthetic subjects |
Component Two: Use of the Montessori Apparatus
| Module Title | Summary of Content |
| Life Skills | The Montessori work cycle, practical life skills exercises, developing gross and fine motor control, value of cultural diversity |
| Educating the Senses | Rationale for sensory education, sensorial education exercises, exploration of sound, colour, texture, shape and spacial form in 2 or 3 dimensions, special needs |
| Teaching about the World | The sun, as star and as source of energy, Solar system; Earth, shape and structure; land, air and water forms; Continents and countries, cultural diversity; mapping; Variety of living things, classification; Habitats, life-cycles; Concepts of time, personal time lines, annual changes; Prehistoric time line, eras |
| Language and Literacy | Language as it involves speaking, listening, reading and writing; Language acquisition, language and thought, norms of development; preparation through rhymes, practical life/sensorial programmes, other skills; different approaches to the teaching of reading; writing skills, introduction of grammar |
| Early Mathematics | Preparing the child through earlier Montessori exercises, also sorting into sets, matching, number rhymes and stories, games, calendar time, movement, sequencing, shopping, work with clay etc.; moving from concrete to abstract; the Montessori maths materials; the four basic functions. |
Component Three: Research Project
| Module Title | Summary of Content |
| Research Methodology | Direct & indirect methods of research in the social sciences; choice of topic |
| Dissertation | Presentation, research, analysis |
When is the Certificate Awarded?
Because this course contains all the components (provided the teaching practice is undertaken) of the Montessori Early Childhood Teaching Diploma it is accepted by MACTE (Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education), an international body based in the U.S.A. (see www.macte.org for details). The Montessori Early Childhood Teaching Diploma is the only Montessori qualification in the U.K. to be accredited by MACTE.
The course is also accepted by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) as giving qualified status under the Children Act, i.e. it is suitable for people to be in charge of nurseries (see the Surestart website for details).
Are there any Entry Qualifications?
There are no specific entry qualifications, but applicants are asked to sign a declaration that there is nothing in their background or circumstances which renders them unsuitable to be with young children.How is the Course Structured?
The course takes place on one evening a week for one term. There are no examinations, but students are assessed on the basis of coursework assignments.
Students following the teacher's course will join with the parents for this term. Anyone wishing to go on to obtain a full teaching qualification may continue for a further 2 terms, and undertake a practical experience of a minimum of 400 hours.
What does the Course Cover?
| Module Title | Summary of Content |
| The Developing Child. |
Development begins at conception, not birth - improving a baby's chances in life through stimulation in the womb. "The difficult adventure of birth" and how conditions at that time affect the child's future. Crises of Development. |
| The Baby in the Home | Adapting the home to a baby/toddler - how to keep the child safe without restricting freedom or independence. The importance of movement - how to aid the child's independence without restricting freedom, plus simple movement activities for the home or nursery. |
| Touch and Stimulation | The importance of touch - including demonstration of baby massage. Stimulating the child - too much or too little? |
| Activities |
Do babies need toys? Simple alternative activities for babies and toddlers which develop all the senses. How to encourage language development. Discipline or self-discipline? Dealing with temper tantrums, crying, etc. |
Award of Certificate
A certificate is awarded on satisfactory completion of all coursework assignments, provided attendance is in excess of 90%.
This course provides part-time training for those wishing to work with children in the age-range 0 - 3 years and their parents. The taught part of the course takes place over one evening a week for one year.
What are the Entry Qualifications?
The Montessori Parent's Course is effecively the first component of this course, so it must have been satisfactorily completed before starting on the remainder of Baby and Toddler Course.How is the Course Structured?
The course takes place on one evening a week for two additional terms. There are no examinations, but students are assessed on the basis of coursework assignments.
What does the Course Cover?
| Module Title | Summary of Content |
| The Developing Child. |
Development begins at conception, not birth - improving a baby's chances in life through stimulation in the womb. "The difficult adventure of birth" and how conditions at that time affect the child's future. Crises of Development. |
| The Baby in the Home | Adapting the home to a baby/toddler - how to keep the child safe without restricting freedom or independence. The importance of movement - how to aid the child's independence without restricting freedom, plus simple movement activities for the home or nursery. |
| Touch and Stimulation | The importance of touch - including demonstration of baby massage. Stimulating the child - too much or too little? |
| Activities |
Do babies need toys? Simple alternative activities for babies and toddlers which develop all the senses. How to encourage language development. Discipline or self-discipline? Dealing with temper tantrums, crying, etc. |
Part 2:
| Module Title | Summary of Content |
| The Environment | How to set up an environment for the 0 - 3 year old outside the home - the Nido and Infant Community. The role of the "Assistant to Infancy" and the key worker. |
| Child Development | Conception to 3 in detail, milestones at significant stages, physical, intellectual, spiritual, emotional (including attachment theory), social - theories of major psychologists. Recent brain research. |
| Managing a Facility | Practical & health issues, hygiene, techniques of observation, and implementation of observational evaluation, managing a facility for 0 - 3 year olds - how to set uop, policy writing, etc. Activities/equipment for babies & toddlers in detail. Co-operating with parents. |
The course is also accepted by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) as giving qualified status under the Children Act, i.e. it is suitable for people to be in charge of under 3s (see the Surestart website for details).
When is the Certificate Awarded?
A certificate is awarded on satisfactory completion of all coursework assignments, including evidence of observation of different age groups, and evidence of specific competencies, plus attendance in excess of 90%.
"Education between the ages of six and twelve is not a direct continuation of what has gone before, although it is built upon that foundation."
Maria Montessori
The Montessori Primary Course is an exciting new course covering the development and education of the child from 6 - 9 years. It is mainly designed for Montessori teachers who already hold a Montessori qualification for the 2 ½ - 6 year age range and who wish to extend their knowledge and understanding of what is involved in work with children in the older age-range.
One of the following is normally required:
· An Ofsted-recognised Montessori Early Childhood (or Pre-Primary) Certificate or Diploma in the 2½ - 6 year old age range.
· Full attendance at an approved Montessori course for the 2½ - 6 year old age range, or previous teaching experience (for a minimum of 3 years) in a fully Montessori setting, plus submission of written assignments.
Qualified teacher status with the DfES, plus two additional bridging modules taken during the course.
How is the course structured?The taught part of the course takes place on one or two days a week and covers both the Montessori curriculum and the U.K. National Curriculum for the age range. As well as attendance at the centre, it is essential for students to have access to the internet for essential activities and research..
There will be an assessed teaching practice throughout the course. Those who are already working in a Montessori school with children in the 6 - 9 age range will be encouraged to complete it in their own school, provided the school has adequate Montessori materials and adheres to the Montessori approach.
After the teaching practice is completed a course for the 9 - 12 years diploma will be available.
What will the course cover?
| Module Title | Summary of Content |
| The Great Lessons | Background to the five Great Lessons; why they are central to the Montessori approach; detailed instructions on their preparation and use; mapping the National Curriculum for History. |
| Advanced Life Skills | Explanation of their role in the classroom; ground rules; manual dexterity, design & construction; care of self, health & hygiene; care of the environment; grace, courtesy & citizenship; Peace Education; mapping the national Curriculum for Design & Technology; mapping the National Curriculum for Personal, Social and Health Education, and Citizenship . |
| Mathematics 1 - Number | Developing the child's facility with numbers and basic operations; more advanced methods of calculation; fractions. |
| The Child, the Environment and the Teacher | Child development 6-9 years; changes as the child moves into the second plane of development; structuring a Montessori classroom; the new role of the teacher. |
| English Language 1 | Consolidation of reading skills; cursive writing; creative writing; the use of grammar symbols and command cards. |
| Science 1 - Life Sciences | The 'sixth' Great Lesson; basic physiology; classification; habitats; life-cycles. |
| Creative Work | Creativity in the Montessori philosophy; art appreciation; drawing skills; creative wrtiting; drama activities; developing musicality; lives of great composers and their music; mapping to the National Curriculum for Music; mapping to the National Curriculum for Art and Design. |
| English Language 2 | Developing more advanced and fluent skills of understanding and expression; mapping the National Curriculum for English. |
| Mathematics 2 - Shape | Introduction to Geometry; developing the children's understanding of shape and space; measurement; mapping the National Curriculum for Mathematics. |
| Planet Earth | The structure of the Earth; geophysical forms; patterns of settlement; specific localities; mapping the National Curriculum for Geography |
| Science 2 - Physical Sciences | An introduction to scientific concepts; materials; forces and energy; space; mapping to the National Curriculum for Science. |
| Other Subjects | Using computers in the classroom; advantages & limitations; 'Going Out'; balance, co-ordination and co-operation; introducing other languages; mapping to the National Curriculum for Information and Communication Technology; mapping to the National Curriculum for Physical Education; mapping to the National Curriculum for Modern Foreign Languages. |
How is the course taught?
All tutors will be both Montessori and state trained, mostly with Qualified Teacher Status from the DfES and also Fe or HE experience. The teaching will involve lectures, discussion, videos and the making of Montessori primary materials, which will be invaluable to the practising teacher in the classroom. Students should anticipate buying the essential texts, plus possibly more books for their own research, and also the cost of making the materials and of printing out the internet modules. Access to the internet is essential.
How is the course assessed?
It is anticipated that the majority of the students on this course will be working in Montessori nurseries or schools, or running their own schools. Therefore assessment will be less essay-based than the Nursery course, and will involve several assignments of making classroom materials that are difficult to obtain commercially. However, there will be a practical examination and a written theory paper. Exemption from the theory paper may be gained by 90% attendance at the lectures and satisfactory completion of all assignments from the internet modules.
When are the classes held?
Normally the first Monday of each month (excluding August & January) between 10:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. at the Kent & Sussex Montessori Centre, Chiddingstone, starting in October 2006. However, seminars have been arranged at other venues and times when there is sufficient demand. There will be additional support seminars held on a regular basis at times negotiated to suit students' committments.
What are the costs involved?
There is a registration fee, plus tuition fees which can be paid in 5 termly instalments, 18 monthly instalments or as one lump sum. Examination fees and teaching practice registration are included in the figures quoted. Please see the fees page for details. Career development loans may be available for UK students for 80% of the fees.
Is the Course Accredited?
The course is accepted by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) as giving qualified status under the Children Act, i.e. it is suitable for people to be in charge of young children (see the Surestart website for details).
How do I apply?Please fill in the application and medical forms and send it together with a curriculum vitae and evidence of teaching qualification/experience to:
You will be contacted to attend an informal interview before being offered a place.
Please phone 01892 870740 if you need any further details.
"Education between the ages of six and twelve is not a direct continuation of what has gone before, although it is built upon that foundation."
Maria Montessori
The Montessori Primary Course is an exciting new course covering the development and education of the child from 6 - 9 years. It is mainly designed for Montessori teachers who already hold a Montessori qualification for the 2 ½ - 6 year age range and who wish to extend their knowledge and understanding of what is involved in work with children in the older age-range.
One of the following is normally required:
· An Ofsted-recognised Montessori Early Childhood (or Pre-Primary) Certificate or Diploma in the 2½ - 6 year old age range.
· Full attendance at an approved Montessori course for the 2½ - 6 year old age range, or previous teaching experience (for a minimum of 3 years) in a fully Montessori setting, plus submission of written assignments.
Qualified teacher status with the DfES, plus two additional bridging modules taken during the course.
How is the course structured?The taught part of the course is part-time and covers both the Montessori curriculum and the U.K. National Curriculum for the age range. As well as attendance at the centre, it is essential for students to have access to the internet for essential activities and research..
There will be an optional assessed teaching practice of 200 hours at the end of the course. Those who are working in a Montessori school with children in the 6 - 9 age range will be encouraged, if they enrol for the teaching practice, to complete it in their own school, provided the school has adequate Montessori materials and adheres to the Montessori approach. Those who satisfactorily complete the teaching practice as well, will be awarded the Montessori Primary Teaching Diploma.
After the teaching practice is completed a course for the 9 - 12 years diploma will be available.
What will the course cover?
| Module Title | Summary of Content |
| The Great Lessons | Background to the five Great Lessons; why they are central to the Montessori approach; detailed instructions on their preparation and use; mapping the National Curriculum for History. |
| Advanced Life Skills | Explanation of their role in the classroom; ground rules; manual dexterity, design & construction; care of self, health & hygiene; care of the environment; grace, courtesy & citizenship; Peace Education; mapping the national Curriculum for Design & Technology; mapping the National Curriculum for Personal, Social and Health Education, and Citizenship . |
| Mathematics 1 - Number | Developing the child's facility with numbers and basic operations; more advanced methods of calculation; fractions. |
| The Child, the Environment and the Teacher | Child development 6-9 years; changes as the child moves into the second plane of development; structuring a Montessori classroom; the new role of the teacher. |
| English Language 1 | Consolidation of reading skills; cursive writing; creative writing; the use of grammar symbols and command cards. |
| Science 1 - Life Sciences | The 'sixth' Great Lesson; basic physiology; classification; habitats; life-cycles. |
| Creative Work | Creativity in the Montessori philosophy; art appreciation; drawing skills; creative wrtiting; drama activities; developing musicality; lives of great composers and their music; mapping to the National Curriculum for Music; mapping to the National Curriculum for Art and Design. |
| English Language 2 | Developing more advanced and fluent skills of understanding and expression; mapping the National Curriculum for English. |
| Mathematics 2 - Shape | Introduction to Geometry; developing the children's understanding of shape and space; measurement; mapping the National Curriculum for Mathematics. |
| Planet Earth | The structure of the Earth; geophysical forms; patterns of settlement; specific localities; mapping the National Curriculum for Geography |
| Science 2 - Physical Sciences | An introduction to scientific concepts; materials; forces and energy; space; mapping to the National Curriculum for Science. |
| Other Subjects | Using computers in the classroom; advantages & limitations; 'Going Out'; balance, co-ordination and co-operation; introducing other languages; mapping to the National Curriculum for Information and Communication Technology; mapping to the National Curriculum for Physical Education; mapping to the National Curriculum for Modern Foreign Languages. |
How is the course taught?
All tutors will be both Montessori and state trained, mostly with Qualified Teacher Status from the DfES and also Fe or HE experience. The teaching will involve lectures, discussion, videos and the making of Montessori primary materials, which will be invaluable to the practising teacher in the classroom. Students should anticipate buying the essential texts, plus possibly more books for their own research, and also the cost of making the materials and of printing out the internet modules. Access to the internet is essential.
How is the course assessed?
It is anticipated that the majority of the students on this course will be working in Montessori nurseries or schools, or running their own schools. Therefore assessment will be less essay-based than the Nursery course, and will involve several assignments of making classroom materials that are difficult to obtain commercially. However, there will be a practical examination and a written theory paper. Exemption from the theory paper may be gained by 90% attendance at the lectures and satisfactory completion of all assignments from the internet modules.
When are the classes held?
Normally the first Monday of each month (excluding August & January) between 10:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. at the Kent & Sussex Montessori Centre, Chiddingstone, starting in October 2006. However, seminars have been arranged at other venues and times when there is sufficient demand.
What are the costs involved?
There is a registration fee, plus tuition fees which can be paid in 5 termly instalments, 18 monthly instalments or as one lump sum. Examination fees and teaching practice registration are included in the figures quoted. Please see the fees page for details. Career development loans may be available for UK students for 80% of the fees.
How do I apply?
Please fill in the application and medical forms and send it together with a curriculum vitae and evidence of teaching qualification/experience to:
You will be contacted to attend an informal interview before being offered a place.
Please phone 01892 870740 if you need any further details.
 |
 |
||||||