Introduction
The Village Montessori Pre-, Primary and High School was established in 1992 and is registered with the Gauteng Education Department as an Independent School. The school is located on an agricultural holding of approximately 1.3 hectares. The school is based on the Montessori principles as compiled by Maria Montessori, a well known Italian educator. The basis of the method is the viewpoint that each child has an innate desire to learn. The prerequisite to learning taking place is the existence of a prepared environment where the child can be directed and not taught.
We offer
- Holistic education that aims to meet the needs of the pupils academically, physically and emotionally.
- The prepared environment contains Montessori didactic equipment which allows concrete experiences of concepts.
- We encourage understanding through a questioning mind.
- Classes are small and consist of a mixed age group, fostering a community spirit and ensuring that the needs of every child are met.
- Outings enrich children’s experiences and the Primary and High School children go on an annual camp.
- Chess is offered as a subject to all Grade 1 to 7 children.
- French or Zulu is offered as third language to all Primary School children.
The examination body for our Junior High School is the Independent Examinations Board (IEB). From 2010 the examination body for our High School will be the Cambridge International Examination Board. The school is a member of the South African Montessori Association.
Mission Statement
The Village Montessori School is committed to provide a holistic education, which encourages understanding through a questioning mind. We aim to achieve this by
- Allowing each child to develop intellectually at their own pace with the specially designed programme.
- Developing an awareness of the environment and the importance of their role in its stewardship.
- Fostering an awareness of their role and responsibilities in society.
History
The school was established in Doringkloof in 1991 by Lyn Viljoen and Jane Slater. The initial pupil numbers were 24 children in the Pre-school and two children in the Primary School. In 1994 the school relocated to premises in Queen Street, Irene.
In the same year pupil numbers allowed us to register with the Education Department as an Independent Primary School.
In 1998 the decision was taken to relocate to Lyttelton Agricultural Holdings to accommodate more pupils and to provide a wider range of facilities. Jane Slater left to establish her own school in Irene and the new property was bought by a Closed Corporation with members Lyn and Tony Viljoen and Marita Basson. In 2008 Marita emigrated to Australia.
The High School was established in 2002 with two Grade 8 pupils and the first matrics completed High School in 2006. In August 2007 a fire destroyed the high school building and one of the Pre-school classrooms. This resulted in the temporary closure of the FET phase (Grade 10 to 12) in December 2008. We will be reopening our High School to Grade 12 level in 2010.
Status of the School
The school and the property are owned and managed by a closed corporation. Profits are used to improve the facilities and the qualifications of the personnel. The school is operated with consent from the Centurion City Council and complies with municipal requirements.
The Primary School is registered with the Gauteng Education Department as an Independent Primary School (reg. no. 211888). The High School is registered as an Independent High School (reg. No 400148).
Adult : Child Ratio of Various Groups
(Guideline only)
| Pre-school | 13:1 |
| Junior primary | 17:1 |
| Senior primary | 17:1 |
| High School | 20:1 |
| Aftercare | 24:2 |
General Information
| School Starts | School Ends | |
|---|---|---|
| Preschool | 08:00 | 12:30 |
| Junior Primary | 08:00 | 13:00 |
| Senior Primary | 08:00 | 13:30 13:00 Fridays |
| High School | 08:00 | 15:00 13:30 Fridays |
Holiday care is provided at differentiated rates from 7:00 to 17:30 for Preschool and Primary school children. No holiday care is provided during the mid-term breaks and after 15 December.
- Aftercare is provided until 17:30.
- A cooked lunch can be provided on request.
- We have a three term year.
- No school uniform is prescribed. Children have to be dressed in an acceptable fashion.
- We encourage healthy eating and therefore have a strict food policy.
- A variety of extra-mural activities are offered.
- A five percent discount is granted on sibling’s fees and ten percent discount on fees paid in full before 31 January.
- Three month’s written notice is required in the event of a child leaving the school.
Parental commitment to Montessori education is imperative. Parents need to reinforce the methods used at school at home as well. Parents are expected to familiarise themselves with the methodology by reading up and attending information sessions.
Our school is seperated into four distinct phases:
You can find out about each phase by clicking on the links above.