Montessori

The Gower School’s approach is strongly informed by the Montessori Ethos

In addition, we have our own five Golden Rules, which are:

• Be calm and use a soft voice.
• Respect others and their work.
• Be kind and caring to others.
• Respect the school environment.
• Walk at all times.

The Gower School prides itself on a high teacher to child ratio, far exceeding most other schools.

The children’s social skills are strongly developed by the experience of learning in groups mixed according to subject and interest as happens in life, rather than age. A strong emphasis is placed on developing each child’s independence, and they are encouraged with pouring drinks, putting on shoes and coats, choosing their own activities and being able to do things for themselves.

Each child gets the opportunity to be ‘Special Helper’ on a regular basis, giving them the opportunity to develop a sense of responsibility and initiative, and boosting their confidence. The role involves helping at lunchtime, bringing in a healthy snack, a music CD or favourite book to share with the class and other tasks, such as taking messages and counting children for the class register. The children love the system and are very excited when their turn comes round!

Every child’s birthday is celebrated with a ‘Birthday Circle’ where they share memories of their life to date, with photos of them growing up and anecdotes and memories of momentous events, such as their first word and favourite foods.

Grace and courtesy are an integral part of The Gower School community. Children are expected to use their manners, open doors for adults, tidy up their materials and help their peers. Children are expected to use ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ as well as saying ‘good morning’ and ‘good afternoon’ at the beginning and end of the day. We also encourage children to use the names of adults when speaking to them and to make eye contact.

We wish to work in partnership with parents and at the nursery there are “Introduction to Montessori Education” workshops each autumn for parents and each term there are a range of curriculum talks.