Community, independence, purpose: The Hills Montessori Middle School

Adolescents are a powerhouse of potential. They thrive with real responsibility, in an environment where they are supported to make decisions, develop knowledge, skills, and cultivate effective learning practices.

The Montessori Adolescent Program is a carefully crafted middle school that prioritises rich experiences, academic rigour, strong relationships, and personal growth. Tailored for students in Years 7 to 9, the program recognises that adolescence marks a significant developmental leap and that the middle years are a pivotal time for developing academic habits, social understanding, and emotional care.

With a rich and rigorous curriculum, we embrace the best of educational practices including integrated and experiential learning, cultivating independence, creativity, critical thinking, problem solving, financial literacy, interpersonal skills, and essential life skills.

Students are supported and mentored by their advisor as they progress through their three years at our Wairoa Campus. They emerge with a profound sense of self, fully engaged in their learning and thoroughly prepared for their senior school years. Their confidence, born from experiential learning, assures them of their capabilities and the knowledge that their actions make a difference.

Experiences and opportunities

Our program is enriched with experiences such as major expeditions, providing valuable outdoor learning opportunities for all students. Biennial trips to Indonesia offer exciting prospects for international travel, together with language and cultural experiences.

The Adolescent Program provides various other avenues for students to broaden their horizons such as cultural exchanges, leadership development activities, and community service projects. Within the program, students have access to a range of expertise and opportunities, including involvement in the kitchen and food program, and engaging in various sporting activities. Being out and about in the local community is an intrinsic part of the program, as are regular field trips further afield.

“Wairoa has a unique community. We work together to help out in all parts of the school and everyone looks out for each other. The guides are so supportive, they encourage us to be independent and creative thinkers, and I think that shows in our learning and the choices we make.”

– Pearl, current student, Year 8

Our community

Based in Stirling in the Adelaide Hills, our middle school is a genuine community where collaboration is central, and each student’s unique contribution enriches our collective work. Each young person has a voice in community decisions, and their confidence, independence, maturity, and self-assuredness develop as they learn to exercise this.

We invite you to visit and see our middle school in action.


For more information:

montessori.sa.edu.au

 

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