Mont21 Prospectus

‘To provide children with the knowledge, skills and global awareness needed for the 21st century.’

Our Mission Statement

“ Education should not just be preparation for university, it should be preparation for life”

Welcome to mont21

A unique holistic learning community on the Costa del Sol, Spain.

Situated close to the towns of San Pedro Alcántara and Marbella, our campus provides a wonderful natural environment in an established residential neighbourhood close to the Mediterranean.

As we now live in an ever increasing complex world of technology, social injustice, political instability and climate change, we believe that as educators, it is our responsibility to ensure that children are fully prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st Century.

At Mont21, we achieve this through an educational programme that combines the long established Montessori pedagogy with the British National Curriculum, the best progressive real-life learning concepts from around the world and sustainable education. It is through these four pillars that we enable every child to flourish, not only by achieving excellent academic qualifications but also to acquire those skills they will need to be happy and successful citizens of the future.

We hope you enjoy reading this prospectus and that it will give you an insight into how different we are to other schools.

We look forward to meeting you to explain how we provide the very best education for the future.

Maria Montessori

Kind Regards

Michael, Ann-Marie and Melissa Garrett

The Founders

Maria Montessori 1870 - 1952

Maria Montessori was an Italian physician and educator who devised the long established and world renowned Montessori pedagogy.

The first female doctor in Italy, she became interested in the development of children where she found they learnt best from using didactic materials and practical activities through freedom of choice (within limits) and the ability of free movement. Through these, children acquired high levels of concentration, self-discipline, motivation and a love of learning.

It was however, not only academics that Maria Montessori was concerned about but also the acquisition of independence, confidence, self-esteem and time management.

Since the first Montessori school, ‘Casa Dei Bambini’ opened in 1906, the popularity of this educational method continues to grow with now an estimated 20,000 schools around the world. Although the majority are for kindergarten aged children, there are also primary and secondary schools with many of the leading innovative schools now embracing the fundamental Montessori principles.

Progressive Concepts

There is growing awareness that the traditional way of educating children is no longer fit for purpose for the 21st century.

With ever increasing use of technology including the internet, Artificial Intelligence, 5G networks, robotics and visual reality, there needs to be less emphasis on memorising facts and a greater need to foster 21st century skills. This include critical thinking/problem solving, collaborative, creative, time-management as well as being adaptable and resilient, enabling them to become life long learners.

At mont21, we achieve these skills through innovative educational concepts used in some of the best forward thinking schools around the world.

These will include PBL (Project Based Learning) and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) where learners follow a real world authentic topic through deep enquiry, practical application and presentation.

Learners have daily access to computers and tablets to assist with research, to be creative and to support their learning.

Although these educational concepts are relatively recent, there is a direct correlation with Montessori pedagogy that was created over 100 years ago.

We also champion Entrepreneurship for older learners where they are tasked to develop their own business idea as they would in the real world.

Our Values

As a school community, we subscribe to two sets of core values on a daily basis. The Montessori values are those that relate to personal, emotional and social attributes whilst the 21st century skills are those that learners need to acquire to ensure employability and success in the work place of tomorrow.

These are reinforced through their modelling, discussion and daily dialogue between guides, learners and visitors.

The Children’s House (3 to 5 years)

An authentic Montessori environment.

In addition to early learning, emphasis is placed on the development of personal, social and emotional skills including independence, confidence, self-esteem and curiosity.

This is achieved by encouraging the children to do things for themselves and to have freedom of choice. In the morning 3 hour work cycle, they are free to choose at their own pace, any of the activities from the open, easily accessible shelves; practical life, the sensorial materials, literacy, mathematics and understanding of the world. They are also free to join in messy play, paint, to take morning snack or to participate in a group activity.

The class is a hive of activity but with a sense of calmness and purposefulness that is not ordinarily found in this young age group.

In the afternoons, the children enjoy, music and movement, cookery, science, Spanish, art and craft, physical education, mediation and yoga.

There is a Montessori Guide assigned for each child to provide support and encouragement and who is also responsible for their progress which is recorded in a digital learning journal on a daily basis. The qualified and experienced staff team provide a low ratio of 1:8.

We consider that learning should be fun and enjoyable so that each child reaches their true potential.

Primary (5 to 11 years)

We provide a real life approach to education where our guides facilitate the children in their learning.

The classes are: Lower Primary 1, ages 5 & 6, Lower Primary 2, ages 7 & 8 and Upper Primary, ages 9, 10 & 11.

The mixed age grouping enables the older learners to help the youngest whilst they in turn, aspire to achieve that of their elders both educationally and socially.

The small class sizes of 18 learners with one internationally qualified guide and assistant, provides a personalised education that focuses on the ability and developmental pace of each and every student. There are no artificial barriers to progress, each child being free to extend a concept as far as they wish.

The learners follow Key Stage One and Key Stage Two of the British National Curriculum which covers English, Mathematics, Science, Design and Technology, Computing, History, Geography, Art and Design, Music, Physical Education, Religious Education, PSHE and a Modern Foreign Language (Upper Primary).

These are delivered through cross-circular termly topics, short periods of direct teaching, small focus groups, one-on-one tuition, personalised learning plans and innovative educational concepts.

The students enjoy a 1 hour Spanish lesson 4 days a week of language and social sciences in accordance with the Spanish curriculum.

Daily Life

Our learners enjoy their day very differently to what they would normally experience in another school.

The day starts with collecting their personalised learning plan where they are free to choose an activity or to read a book before gathering together in circle/community time where they share news, learn about a personal, emotional and social aspect, something about the term’s topic or an upcoming event.

A short period of direct instruction then follows or independent/collaborative learning either inside in one of the many different areas of the school; outside on the terrace or under a tree in the garden. During this time, the children are free to move around and to help themselves to a healthy snack or drink. Mid-morning is playtime where they enjoy the many outside activities in the natural environment.

A healthy, part organic hot buffet style lunch is served where the children are free to choose what to eat using china plates and to help themselves to chilled mineral water from jugs on their table. They are responsible for clearing their plates and for cleaning their environment.

In the afternoons, they continue with their learning, either on the cross-curricular termly topic, science, computing, art and design, physical education, Spanish, Yoga and meditation.

After normal school hours, learners can partake in one of the many after activities; football skills, swimming, fun science, English, Spanish or music. The programme changes from term to term.

At mont21, we give our children a level of trust, responsibility and sense of freedom that they would not normally enjoy in a more ordinary school. It is from this that they acquire a love of learning for life and to grow as independent, confidence individuals.

Our staff team come from all around the world and have been chosen for their experience, passion and innovation for education and for the natural world. Many have worked in schools abroad and have travelled widely so they have first hand awareness of global and environmental issues.

Our guides all hold University degrees and an international teaching qualification.

We refer to our teachers as guides as they support and facilitate the children in their learning.

All our staff undertake regular professional courses and training enabling them to keep up-to-date with current educational developments, to follow their passions and to contribute to our unique curriculum.

Our staff team will increase as the school continues to grow.

Art and Music

Creativity is an essential attribute for children to acquire in their most formative years as this extends their personal development beyond academics and fosters commitment, dedication, confidence and communication.

Our learners enjoy creativity during many aspects of their week, either through the preforming arts; drama, dance and music or as part of art and design through the use of a wide range of materials enabling drawing, painting, print-making, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, photography and crafts.

Music is an integral part of life at the school, as a curriculum subject, after school activity, as a performance or as a background medium during learning, brain breaks or mediation.

An appreciation of music begins in the Early Years with music and movement extending to the Primary years through the learning of the different composers, styles and the reading and writing of music. This is also when children can learn to play an additional instrument on a one-to-one basis.

Learners are able to present and demonstrate their creativity through weekly assemblies and regular exhibitions for parents and visitors. There are also regular music and drama/dance events and an end of year school performance.

Our Sport Programme

The importance of physical development in children is greater than ever in today’s technology society.

We provide an off-site programme that extends beyond that required by the British National Curriculum which strives to build strong, confident, young athletes through various sporting experiences.

These include football, athletics, basketball, gymnastics, swimming, volleyball, hockey and tennis

.

There is also surf and paddle boarding available at the beach a few minutes walk from the school.

We develop each child’s individual abilities which are strengthened by providing the opportunities to participate and compete in competitions with other local international schools.

It is through sport that children learn the values of commitment, dedication, teamwork and a healthy lifestyle.

Mental Health and Wellbeing

An essential part of the school’s ethos is the mental health and wellbeing of the children. This is integrated into the daily life of the school including circle time, assemblies, open discussions, mindful minutes and yoga.

As we believe learners should not experience unnecessary worry and stress during their early lives, we do not regularly test or set homework beyond a daily reading book and weekly spellings in the primary years.

Pastoral care is available from our Community Officer throughout the day who has extensive experience in dealing with all sorts of problems and issues that arise with children of all ages and who is always happy to involve parents as and when it is appropriate.

Our Community Officer is also happy to speak to any parent on either school or unrelated matters whether personal or those involved with moving and living in Spain.

We aim to provide a close community of similar minded parents and guides to support the children in all that they do whether intellectually, creatively, entrepreneurially, sustainability or sport.

This is achieved through arranging educational, social and sporting events, learner-led project initiatives and presentations, exhibitions, assemblies, open doors and parent evenings. The maximum number of children attending the school is 60.

As we are principally a paperless school, communications with parents is achieved by:

• Regular daily contact with the class guides

• Easy appointment system for parent meetings

• Regular update emails

• Weekly e.newsletters

• Class Dojo

We have an active Parent Association who arrange fundraising and social events throughout the academic year.

It is through the positive interaction between staff and parents that children learn respect, politeness, collaboration and social awareness.

In addition to our own school, we will also reach out to the local and wider community through learner initiated social, environmental and charity projects.

Our learners enter into sport and other competitions with local and international schools.

General Information

Tuition Fees and Supplementary Charges

To obtain the latest fee schedule and supplementary costs, please contact us at admissions@mont21school.org

School Uniform

Mont 21 has a comfortable gender neutral capsule uniform that whilst providing uniformity, also provides individuality and self expression. As part of this is self-choice, there is a dress code to ensure appropriateness. It is available via the online shop.

Academic Year

The school year runs from September to the end of June and is divided into 3 terms, Autumn Term - September to December, SpringTermJanuary to March and Summer Term - April to June. A school calendar is published in the summer term for the year ahead.

Technology and Mobile Phones

The Primary students have free use of electronic devices; desktop computers, laptops and tablets to assist and support learning. The use of personal devices is permitted subject to prior written agreement. The use of mobile phones is not permitted.

Food and Drink

We provide healthy mid-morning and afternoon snacks as well as a nutritious cooked buffet style lunch prepared by a local caterer who specialises in children’s food. Many of the dishes are less reliance on meat products and we can accommodate all types of dietary requirements. There is also a packed lunch option. Mineral water and healthy drinks are available throughout the day.

Arrival and Collection Times

Arrival time for The Children’s House is 9.00 to 9.15am for collection at 4.00pm. Arrival time for Lower and Upper Primary is 8.40 to 8.50 am with collection at 4.10pm.

Our admission process is designed to make it as easy as possible for your child to join the school. Enrolment is possible anytime during the year, subject to availability.

Application Process

Step 1

Telephone, email or complete the contact form on the website upon which we will arrange an appointment for you to tour the school and at which time we will answer your initial questions and take you through the admission process.

Step 2

Complete and submit the ‘A pplication for E nrolment form accompanied by copies of your passport/identification documents and the last school report.

Step 3

On receipt of the above, we will arrange a taster day for your child. This is to see if your child likes the school and to undertake any informal assessments including English as an Additional Language, if considered necessary. It also ensures there are no underlying problems that we should be aware.

Step 4

A parent meeting will be arranged to explain our approach and to obtain your expectations for your child to ensure a good match between you and the school.

Step 5

A place is offered and upon acceptance, a commencement date will be agreed. An invoice for the 750 euro admission and tuition fee will be issued for payment before starting the school. The parent welcome letter, partnership and IT agreement are issued for completion and return together with further details of the uniform and lunches.

Urb. Guadalmina Baja, Villa 124, Calle 14, 29670 San Pedro Alcantara, Marbella, Malaga, Spain

Tel: +34 600 850 114