Curriculum for Grantham Farm

Ages

Our Grantham Farm class is for children from four to seven years old. In traditional terms this is Year R to Year 2.

Curriculum areas: whole child learning

Our teachers and curriculum cover a broad Montessori primary curriculum includes reading, writing, mathematics, and cultural subjects such as geography, history and the sciences.

The natural overlap between these subjects provides opportunities for children to learn in an exciting and immersive way that encourages them to ask questions, find answers, learn and explore. This prepares children for life socially, morally and intellectually.

In line with brain development, children move gradually from the concrete to the abstract, so that the materials are presented in a meaningful way that develops confidence and a love of learning.

Language and literacy

‘The teaching of reading is excellent.’

Ofsted 2018

Cleverly thought out, simple and effective; the Montessori language curriculum teaches writing, reading and grammar through hands on materials. Children learn to read and write in a multi-sensory way and through developing a love of language.

Mathematics

A deep understanding of mathematical concepts such as estimation, arithmetic, geometry and measurement depends upon each child learning to work towards abstract thinking. To this end, Montessori developed math materials that progress from concrete working (solving maths problems using the Montessori materials) toward abstract thinking.

Children learn through practice and by applying their new knowledge to real-life tasks.

Cultural subjects

The Montessori cultural subjects integrate the learning of geography, history and the sciences (biology, zoology, chemistry and physics). Children study by topic rather than subject, for example when learning about the evolution of the animal and plant kingdoms, children learn about the passage of time, science and nature, and how to classify.

Creative and expressive arts

Children apply the skills acquired in the Children’s House to freely express their creative nature through painting, modelling, drawing and building.

Children also develop an appreciation of art and artists though study and discussion, learning about perceptions, feelings and history though our art studies programme.

Music and drama are taught by our professional music teacher, where children learn to sing, dance and express themselves freely, as well as to understand and interpret the feelings that music evokes. Children can also learn an instrument of choice.