The Montessori Partnership Primary Diploma course is a well-established part time course designed for people wanting to apply the Montessori approach to their work with children aged 6-12, either in a Montessori primary school, or in a home-based or other setting. The course is taught face to face and usually runs over two academic years. It may be delivered as a series of 30 full day sessions on Saturdays during term times, or over a total of six weeks, delivered in blocks of one or two weeks.

The course comprises lectures, demonstrations of the primary materials, supervised practice, and participatory workshops. Students are helped to produce a range of classroom material, assemble portfolios and undertake research to expand theoretical knowledge. Field trips and observation visits are an important part of the course.

course structure

For Certificate : 210 contact hours.
For Diploma: 210 contact hours plus 200 hours of supervised teaching practice.

teaching practice

Teaching practice can begin at any time from the start of the course up to three years after, and consists of 200 hours of supervised classroom practice in a Montessori Primary setting, assessed by report and portfolio.

assessment

Assessment is by coursework, and written and practical examinations. The Montessori Partnership Primary Teacher's Diploma is awarded to students who successfully complete all the requirements of lecture attendance, coursework, practical and written examination and teaching practice.

The Montessori Partnership Primary Teacher’s Certificate is an interim qualification for students who have successfully completed all the requirements of lecture attendance, coursework, practical and written examination but have not yet completed their teaching practice.

format

The format of the course varies. It may run 1 Saturday per month over 6 school terms, or it may be offered in blocks of one or two weeks of study. Two observations must be undertaken in primary schools, of which one must be a Montessori primary school.

entry requirements

Applicants for the course will either hold a recognised Montessori early years Diploma/Certificate or an educational qualification at degree level

course content

Practical Subjects :

Language: grammar and syntax, including use of grammar boxes, parsing symbols and sentence analysis charts; teaching a foreign language; reading and comprehension; appreciation of literature; creative and other writing. Students compile a language file.

Mathematics, including geometry: The Montessori elementary mathematics and geometry materials are presented and explored, with plenty of time for hands-on practice. Other non-Montessori materials are also presented to ensure a balanced curriculum. Students compile a mathematics file and a geometry file.

Cultural Studies: The concept of the great lessons as the basis for the cultural curriculum is explored and students are introduced to a wide range of Montessori materials in the fields of biology, botany, science and technology, geography and history. Students are required to present a cultural project for assessment.

Creative Studies: Art, music, movement and dance, drama and PE are covered. Students compile a creative file.

Theoretical Subjects:
A general overview is given of the development and needs of the 6 to 12 year old child. Montessori's idea of cosmic education and the great lessons are examined, and detailed consideration is given to the development of the creative imagination. Following this overview sessions are devoted to examining the child's moral, spiritual and social development, with particular emphasis on how children learn. The role and responsibilities of the primary teacher are examined in detail, as are the attributes of the prepared environment for the primary class. The question of transition into, and out of the Montessori primary class is addressed. Finally the Montessori curriculum is considered in the round and compared with the National Curriculum.

next course cycle, 2012

If you are interested in enrolling on this course please click on 'contact details' and fill in the on-line form to request more information

'I needed to let you know how much I enjoyed the course this week!...I feel I learnt a lot and thoroughly enjoyed our discussions! You make me feel at ease...' - Primary Course student