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3 to 6 program

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Your child's early years are a very important and special time. Dr. Maria Montessori observed that the first 6 years of life were a period where a child has an extraordinary capacity to learn.

Experiences in these years lay the foundation for future development and learning. Barrenjoey Montessori School aims to make the most of the unique period from 3 to 6 years in your child's development.

Montessori pre-school programme aids the development of confidence, independence, concentration, self-discipline, motivation, respect for others and the environment and importantly, a love of learning.

Barrenjoey Montessori School offers a three year Montessori programme for 3 to 6 year olds staffed by qualified directresses.

All children attend Monday to Friday, with the three and four year olds attending a three hour session daily (9am to 12pm). Children approaching the age of five join the extended day programme,  and attend all day from 9am to 3pm. This is the equivalent of the kindergarten year, with the curriculum being recognised and accredited by the NSW Board of Studies. Working in a smaller group at this time enables the five year olds to focus on extension activities preparing them for primary school.

Afternoon care, for children aged 3 to 4, is also available.

In the Montessori classroom, children are grouped together in mixed ages, much as a natural family would be. This provides a good range of social interplay and the opportunity to learn from experience, and through observation of others.

As in a home environment, the older children help the younger ones, providing role models and enhancing their own self-esteem.

Montessori materials & activities

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The specially designed Montessori materials and activities are grouped into four areas:

  • Practical Life: activities which aid the child's adaptation to their environment, refine their movement, and promote concentration.
  • Sensorial: activities which enable the child to order and classify their many sensorial experiences such as, colour, sound, dimension and shape.
  • Language: activities which develop oral, writing and reading skills, as well as introducing the child to geography, history, science, music and art.
  • Maths: number concepts using mathematical tools to introduce mathematical processes (adding, multiplying, dividing and subtracting) and help the child to understand mathematical abstractions.

Would you like to find out more?

Please join us for an observation in the classroom or come to one of our information sessions. Call us on (02) 9973 1422 to find out more.

Application form and fees

Find out more about enrolment and fees or download the 3 to 6 wait list application form (PDF 8KB).

Note: Enrolment in Under 3's is not a pre-requisite for entry to a 3 to 6 Montessori programme , nor does it guarantee a place for your child on any school's waiting list for 3 to 6 year olds. Separate application forms are required for Under 3's and 3 to 6 programs.

Parent information evenings

Join us at 7PM at our school for an interesting evening of Montessori insights and discussions with our teachers. All parents and interested people are invited to attend - call us on 9973 1422 for more info.

Join our team!

0 - 3 Trained Montessori Director

We are looking for a trained Montessori director to facilitate this popular programme which includes the attendance of both the child and the parent/carer. The programme currently operates on 2 mornings per week and has a purpose built environment adjoining the 3 - 6 classrooms. There is definite potential to expand this programme. Apply now!

Suggested reading

  • Paul Polk-Lillard - "Montessori: a Modern Approach"
  • Maria Montessori - "The Secret of Childhood"
  • Maria Montessori - '"What You Should Know About Your Child"