About Our Schools
At St Nicholas we follow the child led approach to teaching based on the philosophy of Maria Montessori. We believe that the children are at their happiest when they are engaged in the learning process. Children are natural learners who, when left to follow their instincts, want to constantly explore the world around them. We believe that each child is an individual and should be encouraged to work at a pace that is right for him or her in a non-competitive environment.
Maria Montessori championed the rights of the child throughout her life. She understood that childhood and education would influence the leaders and citizens of the future. In her book, Education and Peace, Montessori wrote,
“the child, that forgotten citizen, must be appreciated in accordance with his true value. His rights as a human being who shapes all mankind must become sacred.”
This message is at the heart of what we do in our schools, we want to continue the work of Dr Montessori in championing the child and help him or her reach their maximum learning potential while becoming well balanced individuals able to cope with the pressures of 21st century life.
Our Educational Ethos
Our Montessori educational programme encompasses a child-centred approach to education, based on the philosophy of Maria Montessori, that is delivered in a carefully prepared learning environment.
The Montessori Method is both a philosophy of child development and a rationale for guiding such growth. It is based on two important developmental needs of children:
The Montessori Method is both a philosophy of child development and a rationale for guiding such growth. It is based on two important developmental needs of children:
- The need for freedom within limits
- A carefully prepared environment which guarantees exposure to materials and experiences.
Through these developmental needs, children develop their intellect as well as their physical and social abilities. The Montessori method of education is designed to take full advantage of the children’s desire to learn and their distinctive ability to cultivate their own capabilities. The method fosters a love of learning while allowing each child to interact and explore at their own pace in a non-competitive environment.
Children have a deep love and desire for purposeful activity. They work, however, not as an adult for the completion of a task, but for the enjoyment of an activity itself. It is this activity which enables them to achieve their most important goal: the development of their individual selves.
Our School History
St Nicholas Montessori School was founded in Dún Laoghaire in 1980. Over the years, we have provided excellence in Montessori and Early Years education through our school, college and society.
We are proud to announce that as the love for Montessori philosophy continues to grow in Ireland, we have opened a new St Nicholas Montessori School in Merrion.
See Our Schools:
About Montessori
What makes Montessori so attractive to educators, parents and systems of education? Here are two of the main reasons why we believe Montessori is an enduringly attractive way to learn and develop:
Optimal whole child development
The goal of Montessori education is to allow the child’s optimal intellectual, physical, emotional and social development to unfold. This is a very different goal to that of most education systems today, where the focus is on academic attainment. By working with materials and by interacting with concepts and ideas, as opposed to memorising facts, children self-discover and are empowered with the tools of life long learning.
Individuality and Creativity
In a Montessori environment, children work at their own pace to fulfill their unique potential. There is no need for targeted differentiation policies in Montessori education – Montessori sees every child as an individual with specific and personal needs. Montessori nurtures and encourages creativity, not only in the creative arts but in problem solving, teamwork and academic work. Montessori prepares children for the future.
BECOME A PUPIL AT ST NICHOLAS MONTESSORI SCHOOL
Please contact our Admission Office on info.school@smsi.ie who will be happy to arrange this for you.
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