Curriculum

Although we have an educational bias towards many Montessori materials and theories, we combine various ideas of teaching children of this age, incorporating the areas of play, learning and development.

1. Personal, Social and Emotional Development
We teach the children how to play, cooperate and function in a group beyond the family.

2. Communication, Language and Literacy
We help the children to develop competence in talking, listening and becoming readers and writers. French is taught once a week in small groups by a French national. A small workbook of the areas covered is sent home each term.

3. Mathematical Development
We provide the foundation for numeracy through practical activities, using mathematical language and developing awareness of number operations.

4. Knowledge and Understanding of the World (History, Geography, Science and Technology)
We foster the child’s knowledge and understanding of the world past and present, both in terms of natural and man-made environments. Information and technology equipment is available to all children on a daily basis and we have a specially designed classroom specifically for computer work, which the children will do in small groups throughout the week.

5. Physical Development
We help the children to develop motability, manipulative skills and coordination. We have a small garden at the school (see Setting) and occasionally use Wandsworth Common. Ballet is taught once a week by a ballet teacher. Every session includes conventional ballet, imaginative dance and traditional dance from other countries.

6. Creative Development
We encourage the expression of ideas and feelings in creative ways. Our curriculum is based around topics, which change bi-termly. Music is taught by a specialist teacher once a week but is also incorporated into every day.