Somersfield Academy News
AIMing for Excellence: Primary French at Somersfield Academy
At Somersfield Academy, primary French is taught using AIM, an interactive method integrating gestures, drama, music, and dance. It creates a supportive learning environment where students engage actively and naturally acquire language skills, preparing them well for advanced language studies and promoting cultural understanding.
The Importance of the 3-Year Cycle in Montessori Education
The three-year cycle is a cornerstone of Montessori education, providing a stable and nurturing environment that supports the natural progression of a child's development. Through this cycle, children experience significant growth, develop a sense of community, and build a strong foundation for lifelong learning. The mixed-age setting fosters collaboration, mentorship, and a deep understanding of concepts, making the Montessori three-year cycle an invaluable component of early education.
The Montessori Approach to Physical Education
One of the core philosophical tenets of Maria Montessori’s education for children was her understanding of the need and importance for movement to perfect their coordination of both large and refined movements. In PE, the overall objective is to provide students with the skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary to make active living a way of life. Cooperation, fair play, sportsmanship, teamwork, communication and respect are emphasised at all times.
The Fifth Great Lesson: The Story of Numbers
The Fifth Great Lesson: The Story of Numbers begins with the earliest civilisations, who often only had “one”, “two”, and “more than two” as their numeric system. It continues with a look at different numbering systems throughout the centuries, culminating in the decimal system that we use today.
The Fourth Great Lesson: The Story of Writing
The Fourth Lesson, the story of the development of the written alphabet is told, with an emphasis on the incredible ability that humans have of committing their thoughts to paper. Included in the story are pictographs, symbols, hieroglyphs, early alphabets, and the invention of the printing press.
Montessori in Action: Insights from Tina Evans
We were delighted to welcome Tina Evans from the Montessori School of Lebanon for a special Lunch and Learn event. With over 20 years of experience in Montessori education, Tina led two engaging sessions—one for parents and one for staff—offering valuable insights tailored to each audience. Her thoughtful guidance sparked meaningful conversations around supporting children's growth through the Montessori approach.
The Third Great Lesson: The Coming of Human Beings
The third Great Lesson is the Coming of Human Beings. A timeline is presented with a tool and a human hand to talk about the three gifts that make humans special: a mind to imagine, a hand to do work, and a heart that can love. This lesson will lead children to study the beginning of civilisations and the needs of early humans.
The Second Great Lesson: The Coming of Life
The Second Great Lesson involves the coming of life. This lesson revolves around the Timeline of Life, a long chart with pictures and information about microorganisms, plants, and animals that have lived (or now live) on the earth. The great diversity of life is emphasised, and special care is paid to the “jobs” that each living thing does to contribute to life on earth.
Gallery: Primary School Dance Photo Booth
Step into the joy and energy of our recent Primary School Dance with this delightful photo booth gallery! From goofy grins to glamorous poses, our youngest students brought their best moves and biggest smiles. This collection captures the fun, friendship, and spirit that made the night unforgettable. Click through to see just how much personality can fit into one frame!
The First Great Lesson: Coming of the Universe and the Earth
The First Great Lesson in Montessori education is a captivating introduction to the wonders of the universe and our planet's origins. Often conducted in the first month of school, this lesson uses a balloon and gold stars to narrate the universe's beginnings. Demonstrations with solids and liquids show how the continents and oceans first were formed.