Grovely offers first state school Montessori stream

Montessori education will be offered at a Queensland state school for the first time in 2009 with Grovely State School in Brisbane’s north providing more educational choice for parents.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said one multi-age class or stream would be offered from the start of the 2009 school year, giving parents in the Grovely area greater choice in education options for their children.

“Our Government is committed to ensuring it is meeting the needs of students and their families,” Mr Welford said.

“This new Montessori stream is a great initiative as it is about offering parents more choice in how their children are educated in our state schools.

“Montessori offers a different teaching philosophy with a focus on encouraging independence and fostering a love of learning to build self-confidence, discipline and positive social behaviour.

“The Montessori class will be a multi-age environment on a three-year cycle rather than distinct year level classes.”

Mr Welford said there were two existing independent Montessori schools in Queensland, one in Caboolture and one in Fig Tree Pocket.

“Other states already offer Montessori streams in their state schools but this is the first time Montessori has been offered within a Queensland state school,” he said.

“The initial single-stream class will be fully integrated into Grovely State School, and it is hoped the program can grow in coming years.

“This means the Montessori stream students will still be very much a part of the school community.”

Mr Welford said that like state schools, Montessori aimed to instil a commitment to lifelong learning in students.

“This is something I support and encourage in all Queensland students,” he said.

The class will be accommodated within existing school buildings at Grovely State School.

Enrolment enquiries should be directed to Grovely State School on 3354 6333.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000