Teacher - Jane Watson

Prior to undertaking her Montessori training, our founding teacher, Jane Watson taught at Matakana Primary School for 15 years, having lived locally for 24 years.  She became passionate about Montessori whilst acting as supervisor for Totara Hill Montessori Preschool when they were obtaining their registration. 

 

Jane began her training in Bergamo, Italy in 2007, completing it in 2008.  She undertook a three-month secondment to a Montessori school that same year and loved the experience.  Jane is very excited to be continuing to teach at Matakana, now using the Montessori Method.   A number of Montessori ideals have always been part of her personal and professional life.  She has a love of order, the environment and a great work ethic.  Independence and initiative are virtues that she has endeavoured to instil in the children she has taught. 

 

Jane has created a peaceful, harmonious environment with the children, one where children acquire the skills and confidence to work independently.  She has a great passion for teaching and enjoys the challenge of instilling a love of learning in children! 

 

Jane’s interests include tramping with her husband, handcrafts, walking, gardening and boating. 

 

 

Our First Day - 4 February 2009 Our First Day - 4 February 2009

  

Room 15 - Matakana Primary School

Room 15 is located at Matakana Primary School.

 

We opened the class in February 2009 with 11 students who were six and seven years old. They come from diverse backgrounds with many different interests which creates a warm and rich dynamic.

 

The Montessori Unit within Matakana School provides Montessori education (from age 6) delivered within the framework of the New Zealand National Curriculum.

 

Maria Montessori called the Primary curriculum Cosmic Education because its goal is to expose the child to the whole range of human knowledge in an integrated approach to learning set into the largest context possible. Contextual learning is the foundation for deep understanding. The context for the elementary curriculum is established in an overview of the history of the universe. As they study ancient civilisations the children discover that all aspects of knowledge including mathematics, language, history, botany, geography, music and art developed the basic human needs. This understanding fosters a love for learning and eagerness to take their place as contributing members of the community.

 

Our internationally qualified Montessori teacher directs and guides the children through observation.

 

Our classroom provides specialised learning resources and equipment in an atmosphere that is calm and appealing. Children learn at their own pace and interact in a multi-age classroom. This enables the teacher to identify and understand each child's unique learning style.

 

The Montessori class is fully integrated into Matakana Primary School, providing access to school-wide programmes and facilities including cultural and sporting activities, the arts, an extensive library and IT suite.

 

Complimenting academic independence, children become masters of their environment and are responsible for managing their classroom and garden area. These aspects of the curriculum foster the Montessori idea of an education for the development of the whole child.

 

 

Inside Room 15 Inside Room 15