Testimonials
These things helped me to become the Independent person I am now & make up my own mind on what I like to do & feel about things:
In the Senior Classes you could correct younger children’s work, as well as, call out spellings on Fridays. You were encouraged to do projects about your own interests, as well as planning of school tours & outings & writing the Christmas plays. Because there were no formal sports at lunch, you could make up or play your own games in the garden.
PAST PUPIL
Parents’ & Past Pupils’ Testimonials Video
Some memorable sentiments from the Graduation Speeches from the class of 2019:
I’ve loved my time here for so many reasons, like the people, the teachers, the community spirit and also the Montessori method, which gives me so much more freedom than I would have in any other school…
This has by far been the best year of my life…
I can safely say that nearly every day here has been a good day…
I love the freedom in our school and the Montessori method. Even now when I do fractions I picture the red material in my head and it makes everything a lot easier…
2019 Graduates,
(,)In the Junior Class you could choose your own work and move around the classroom. You could also choose who to have snack with and to sit with as well as when to have your snack.
In the Senior Classes you could correct younger children’s work, as well as, call out spellings on Fridays. You were encouraged to do projects about your own interests, as well as planning of school tours & outings & writing the Christmas plays. Because there were no formal sports at lunch, you could make up or play your own games in the garden.
All of these things helped me to become the Independent person I am now & make up my own mind on what I like to do & feel about things.
A Children’s House Graduate,
(,)I’m not sure how developed my independence of thought is now as an adult but I do know that I remember how engaged I was when working independently at The Children’s House. I felt like I was in my own world – there was no competing, no aspiring to good grades. It was akin to being engrossed in a hobby that you are deeply interested in. the materials absorbed me, no matter the subject. I can compare it to my years in school from 3rd Class up. It is different. It is fantastic to have experienced the Montessori method. It is a lesson in seeing that there is another way.
Past Pupil,
(,)I spent 9 years in The Children’s House and these 9 years taught me a lot. As well as a strong academic side because of the use of the materials it helped to plant a seed of confidence and determination. I learnt to work by myself, for myself and also as part of a team. In the Children’s House you are never worried about asking questions if you don’t understand something. In The Children’s House everyone’s opinions matter and you really have a say.
The Children’s House has taught me so many things but mostly it has taught me about staying true to yourself and to always treat others as you would want to be treated. I loved my time there and I love secondary school now (though maybe not so much the homework!!).
Zoe Morris, A Children’s House Graduate,
(,)I was a student in the Children’s House for 4 years from 1965-69 and my children during the noughties.
The stand out for me was the strong foundations it gave to me, my children but also observed peers of both generations, for subsequent schooling at both Primary and Secondary level and beyond.
Central to these foundations were:
- support for thinking for one’s self
- developing a sense of wonder
- and encouragement to explore
In short, independent thinking.
Past Pupil,
(,)How TCH helped develop my Independence of Thought
I was in the CH for 9 years from 2004 until 2013. I was in the Junior, the Middle Class and the Senior Class.The CH is a school where everyone is usually working on something different. We were all in the same classroom but doing different things. I remember in the small class you didn’t have to think too much about what everyone else was doing. Just on what you were doing. I think that helped you to become focused in your own work and what excited you and interested you.
What I also remember was that every idea or comment you might make on a topic or about something we were discussing as a class was listened to. No one ever told you that you were wrong. Usually Ms Kuh would say “mmm that is interesting”, so in that way you never felt that you should all be thinking the same thing but that all sorts of different thoughts were welcome. In fact, you could were encouraged to think about really unusual angles on things, and today I see that as thinking outside the box! I am pretty good at that!
Often in the CH there were no right or wrong answers. You would be told to have another go or try again and I think that helps with your confidence. I found some of my old story books once and they were full of awful spelling mistakes but they had “excellent” written at the bottom. The thinking behind your story was more important to the teachers than a silly spelling mistake and that gave you confidence. I still love telling stories and now I am involved in drama and in creative writing for drama. and I am glad to have that confidence.
In my secondary school experience we all work together more all looking at the same problems and the same books, but there are plenty of opportunities to contribute and make comments. I think my time at the CH has helped me to feel confident in making comments that are different to other people and also the confidence to contribute.
I also think that I am not a “herd” man or a “agree with everything that someone else said because they are important” man. It’s good to just be your own man.
But what I really want to know is did anyone beat my goal record in the CH? Fionn told me that John came pretty close . . . . . I may have to call by for a few kicks of the ball if that is the case.
Naoise Lynch, A Children’s House Graduate,
(,)It is great coming in today. We have a lot of confidence in Montessori, but we are in some ways taking a leap of faith. Today just reinforces what we believed a Montessori classroom is like and it is wonderful. The Directresses have so much confidence in the children and the children prove themselves and prove the confidence is justified.
Ann-Marie Hardiman, Board Member, Drumnigh Montessori Primary School,
(,)It was a great experience to visit the school today and to observe the way children learn and interact in the classroom. There’s a friendly and calm atmosphere in the classrooms and the children seem to enjoy their learning experience. I particularly liked the fact that they are given freedom to choose their work with a gentle coordination by the teacher.
Eva Goussot, Secretary to the Board, Drumnigh Montessori Primary School,
(,)Many thanks to Micaela and Nicola for the opportunity to observe in their classes this morning. It’s a wonderful inspiration to see the concentrated work of the children and their enthusiasm in completing it. The children were so confident and welcoming to us as visitors, it was a pleasure to observe. We look forward to meeting together again, including the wonderful idea for the two schools and their children to meet also.
Orla McAlister, President of the Board and Primary School Liaison, Drumnigh Montessori Primary School,
(,)Of course, Montessori has many aspects to it that promote individuality and independence but I think the main reason my independence was fostered by Montessori is very simple. I think the basic concept of a child choosing the work they’ll do that day at an age as early as three really encourages self-determination. Being able to decide what work you want to do, to me, is the biggest difference between traditional school and Montessori school. It’s such a simple concept but creates an environment when children have to think for themselves, be self-directed and self-analyze their preferences, among other things. These skills are valuable throughout life and I definitely feel Montessori has strengthened these characteristics in me.