Testimonials

Now halfway through getting a Bachelors in archaeology, I can look back and see the ways that the Montessori method helped me get where I am today — especially as an autistic child who struggled with the rigidity of conventional schooling.

One of the main features of Montessori is self-directed learning. While I was there, I learnt how to research things I found interesting and present them to others, about nature through growing plants, raising butterflies, and examining rocks and fossils in the classroom, and about more abstract concepts like Mathematics by seeing them demonstrated with physical objects. There was also a focus on learning about other cultures. As an example, I had a penpal in India who I’m still in contact with even now via social media. Parents and past-pupils would also visit and teach us about some of their work — one I remember was a NASA researcher!

Another aspect of this is the independence that Montessori teaches. For example, instead of having a set time to have a snack in the mornings, we could choose when to have it ourselves, as well as cleaning up the snack area when we were done. When we put on Nativity plays at Christmas, it was a group of students who wrote the script, using previous years examples as reference and inspiration. And of course, when the RDS science fair came around, we’d brainstorm ideas for a project as a class and figure out how we’d approach it, looking at questions like ‘What Way is Up?’ and ‘H2O, Is That All It Is?’. In Montessori, children are trusted to do things themselves, which helps build confidence and competence in their abilities.

Thank you to everyone who taught me, my friends who were always with me. Thank you everyone that has helped me be the person I am now standing in front of you. I’ve made some amazing memories here and I will miss it…

I would like to thank all my teachers for showing me so much, all the staff for being so helpful, all my friends for being so kind and helping me with all sorts of things….

Performing at The Helix in front of a big audience was a highlight. Plus, the lunch was really nice! And rock climbing? Well, that was all about teamwork and independence. I remember speed climbing, feeling exhausted and then my classmates cheering me until I reached the top….One thing I absolutely love about this school is that we got to work with different materials and we also don’t have too much homework. This school has made a really big impact on me and I just really love it here..

First, I want to thank our wonderful teachers. Even though my time here was short, you made me feel welcome and helped me to catch up with my studies. Your dedication and kindness have truly made a difference to my life….To my classmates – you made me feel like part of the family and I will always cherish our time together…

It’s a beautiful, kind atmosphere where both my daughters have been extremely happy attending – thanks to all those who work at The Children’s House Primary.

My child loves attending The Children’s House Primary. I love the attitude and the way the Montessori method is implemented.

Yes, a lovely, friendly and open school. It has a real community feel. Lots of social events and education evenings to help parents to get to know each other and better understand the methods at the school.

The school provides attention and personal care to each and every student, giving them a warm cosy environment. The Montessori method is a unique way of learning for kids without putting pressure on them.

“This is the type of school where people think about you and care for each other.”

“We’re allowed to leave the classroom if we want to because the teacher trusts us”.

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…

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. It is fantastic to have experienced the Montessori method. It is a lesson in seeing that there is another way.

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!!).

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.