Montessori Adolescent Programme | Maria Montessori School

The Montessori Adolescent is the Secondary School Programme for 12 to 16 year olds

Designed to give students a sense of purpose

The Adolescent Programme is a “Place of Study and Work” that fosters the developing sense of self in Young People 12 to 16 years through real and meaningful work. The coursework is designed to give students a sense of purpose and belonging as they explore the philosophical questions Who am I in relation to society? What is my role? What will be my future?

Real-world application of subject areas

Young People in the Adolescent Programme are presented with the opportunity to consolidate, broaden, and deepen their knowledge through real world application of subject content across different disciplines, including Mathematics, English Language and Literature, Spanish, Creative Expression, Humanities, Science Occupations, Production and Exchange, and Community Work.

The goal is for young adults to experience a life that is lived rather than taught

The Adolescent environment is about working together to serve the socio-economic needs of their community and the work is approached in an intra-disciplinary manner, providing both academic rigour and practical experience. The goal is for young adults to experience a life that is lived rather than taught, to foster a sense of stewardship of their environment, ownership of their learning, and eventually, economic independence as they prepare for adult life. We balance study and work aiming for optimal development of young adults.

Areas of Learning

Humanities

The work and studies of the adolescents gives them an opportunity to explore and understand how society has evolved over time, and why we are where we are now. Through research, debate, and creative work the students investigate people and their lives throughout history as they engage in deep discussions that honour the human story. Their explorations span from Early Human Cultures to the Emergence of Cities, States, and Nations to the Transition of Societies, and Issues of the Modern World.

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Mathematics

At the core of the mathematics programme is a deep dive into arithmetic, geometry, and algebra. Maths is introduced through regular lessons and supported through a weekly Socratic-style seminar. The Maths seminar builds knowledge in a democratic way through each student’s articulation and understanding of the variety of ways word problems can be approached and solved.

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English Language and Literature

The English Language is explored through the “Writing Workshop” as students engage in creative composition and essay-writing. The experiment with their own writing style through their self-expression, and they come to understand and appreciate the writing style of various authors in their Literature Seminar discussions. A few examples of books the students read include Lord of the Flies, Into the Wild, Animal Farm, and Piecing Me Together.

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Spanish

The goal of the Spanish Language Programme is to support the students in developing confidence and a sense of independence in their ability to communicate in a foreign language. The programme aims to provide ample opportunities for the adolescents to practice their conversational skills and engage in meaningful interactions in Spanish, which is further supported by an annual trip to Spain. Alongside these experiences, the students work on expanding their grammar and vocabulary, thereby building their knowledge of the language, and participate in a variety of activities that enhance their understanding of the Spanish culture.

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Science Occupations

We approach science in a practical way. As a response to the needs of the community and the environment, the students delve into both the study of Earth and Living Things and Human Progress and Civilization. Touching on Earth Science (Cosmology, Geology, Physical Geography), Physical Science (Chemistry and Physics), Life Science and Contemporary Science (Mechanics and Engineering, Genetics, Science and Technology), their scientific studies directly connect the students to their community through production and exchange, their work in the garden, and the culinary programme.

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Creative Expression

Visual Arts, Performance Arts, and Physical Expression support the adolescent’s need for creative work and self-expression. Across the curriculum, students are introduced to a variety of different media that allow the student to explore who they are – their talents, their interests, their emotions – and to connect with others through their explorations and work. Supported by a variety of experts in their field, the Adolescent students are invited to explore interests such as painting, printing, sculpture, dance, photography, music, sport, and drama.

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Production and Exchange

Production and exchange provides students with an avenue towards economic independence and supports their desire to become valued members of society. Each year the students discuss strategies and ideas to improve and expand their economic capabilities, drawing from their work with the land, in the kitchen, and amongst the community, as well as their study of mathematics and finance.

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Work of the Land

Drawing on their keen interest in engaging in real-life, meaningful work, the Adolescent students assume full responsibility of designing, building, and maintaining a small piece of land. The agricultural environment brings together two kinds of work, manual and intellectual, through practical application and experience as they work together to problem-solve around the complexities and challenges that arise in cultivating a thriving ecosystem.

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We have taken the decision to offer four GCSEs for our students moving forward: English, Maths, and a Double Science. Additionally, those students interested in earning a qualification in Spanish will be supported in taking the DELE exams.

“The Adolescent program has so far been a great education environment for our teenager. We feel our daughter is growing in independence, knowledge and awareness of her place in the world, while having fun and being with her friends and teachers.”

Maria Montessori School Parent

Adolescent Trips

A key part of development at this stage is for Adolescents to learn what it takes to reside in a social group and serve their community. To support these developing needs, the Adolescent Community participates in three overnight trips throughout the course of the year, each with its own objectives.

The Odyssey Trip

The Odyssey Trip embraces the idea of a journey of social-emotional growth. The adolescents dive deeply into community life through an eight to ten day camping trip, taking on all aspects of their daily life, from planning to preparing to cooking to caring for each other. They bond through their collaborative work and their desire to thrive as a member of a unit.

Spanish Exchange

An aim of the Adolescent Programme is to reach a proficient level in Spanish. Throughout the course of the year, the Adolescents attend Spanish lessons three times per week, developing vocabulary, grammar, and conversational skills. As a way of integrating the their language development with meaningful engagement with Spanish culture, they embark on a one-week trip to Spain. Besides practicing their Spanish, they will meet other Montessori adolescents, expand their community, and learn new ways to interact in the world.

X-Term

The last two weeks of the academic year are reserved for the X-term. Unlike any of the other cycles of study, the topic of this term is chosen by the Adolescents themselves. Beginning mid-January, they have the assignment of planning a two-week unit of study that immerses the community in a specific topic. As part of its design, the adolescents are encouraged to plan a two-to-three-day trip for the end of the term. It is up to the students to choose the destination of the trip, to plan the activities, and to work and engage in the producing and selling of goods through their small business to earn the required funding for the trip.

“Pupils’ preparation for life beyond this school, including helping pupils to become positive members of society, underpins all aspects of the school’s provision. There is a vast range of opportunities that stretch and challenge pupils’ talents and interests and support the development of life skills.”

Ofsted

Ofsted 'Good' Overall And Outstanding For Behaviour and Attitudes, Personal Development and Early Years Provision

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Our Adolescent Programme is at:

Hampstead

2½ – 16

Interested in the Adolescent Programme? Contact us using the links below

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Adolescent Teachers

We are proud to have a highly qualified, experienced and very knowledgeable school team. All our teachers hold Montessori qualifications as well as additional degrees; whether from previous careers or personal interests. Michael has the Elementary I-II Credentials from the American Montessori Society, a Bachelor's Degree in Economics, a Masters Degree in Mathematics and is experience in leading children in both Elementary and Adolescent environments; Edgar has a 12-18 Orientation Certificate and a PhD in Engineering and Malu has the AMI 3-6 and AMI 12-18 Orientation Certificates and many years' experience of teaching Spanish in schools around the world.

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