Modern Montessori School

Kindergarten and Junior School...

The Montessori experience begins in pre-school and continues through Grade Five. During this period, emphasis is placed on an interactive learning process. Basic skills and problem-solving abilities are developed to build a firm foundation for future academic progress.

Accordingly, students enjoy an abundance of extra-curricular activities, including field trips, attendance at lectures by guest speakers, art and drama, all of which are aimed at broadening young students’ horizons. In preparation for the expanded worlds of opportunity now open to young people, leadership training is implemented and an interest in the welfare of others is developed through community service projects.

Kindergarten...

The Modern Montessori Kindergarten aims to provide a rich and stimulating environment where children can develop to their full potential. The curriculum is based on the principles of the Montessori method and encourages a positive attitude and disposition to learning.

The children in KG are taught by trained Montessori directresses and directors who facilitate the carefully planned, vertically grouped, structured environment to implement the child-centred approach. This is based on allowing the child to experience the excitement of learning by his own choice and helping him to perfect all his natural potentials for learning, so that his abilities will be at a maximum in future learning situations.

Specially designed activities and equipment aim to meet the child’s physical, social, emotional, intellectual and spiritual needs through practical life exercises, sensorial training activities, literacy, numeracy and environmental and cultural activities. For more details, please check out our curriculum and policy booklet (English, Arabic).
All kindergarten teachers have completed a rigorous teacher training programme run by ICME.

Junior School (Grades 1-3)*...

In Grades 1-3, qualified teachers design projects and conduct research to prepare a comprehensive integrated syllabus which corresponds to the Ministry of Education’s curriculum. Most subjects are taught in both Arabic and English simultaneously and much individual attention is ensured by a teacher/student ratio of 1:12 . This lends itself to group work, individual teaching, better interaction and the use of democratic teaching methods. Teaching leans towards “Spiral and Network”, which begins with the part expanding to the whole and then moves from sensory to abstract realisation by using Montessori materials, a rich variety of which, covering Math, Languages, Science and Social Science, is available from the Montessori Resource Room. Students participate in a varied range of subject-related projects, as well as a wide assortment of extra-curricular activities. The availability of a well-equipped Science Lab assists students in understanding scientific concepts. In this way, the acquisition of knowledge becomes meaningful and serves the individual in his or her future life.

Junior School (Grades 4-6)*...

In Grades 4, 5 and 6, our children continue the learning process in accordance with the school’s philosophy, which is based on the child’s natural desire to learn and our faith in his or her ability. Our students develop in an environment in which they seek knowledge by using observation techniques, exploration and persuasion. Two languages (Arabic and English) are taught according to the Ministry of Education’s requirements as well as a syllabus, specially prepared by the school, to broaden the students’ perspectives and understanding and to develop their creative expression. Additionally, an all-English programme, including intensive Arabic tuition, is available from Grade 6 for students joining the school with a limited knowledge of the Arabic language.

Specialised teachers also teach design technology, drama, art, physical education, music and computer studies. In addition to our distinguished sports and academic activities, various extra-curricular activities are available. A student may choose whichever activity he or she finds appropriate and pursue it after school hours.

Lower Senior School (Grades 7-8)*...

Perhaps there is no time more critical to a student’s overall development than these transitional years. As students undergo physical, emotional and intellectual changes, they need an academic and social programme that supports their various stages of growth. At the Modern Montessori School , the programme for Grades 7-8 is designed to build confidence and competence. The Lower Senior school faculty is selected for its expertise in this field of instruction and its desire to teach at this level. Small grouping allows teachers to help each student develop his or her academic, communication, leadership and social skills at an appropriate pace, in a warm and caring environment. By the time they have completed Grades 7 and 8, Montessori students are well grounded in the basic skills necessary to succeed in Senior School and have developed a positive sense of self-worth which will remain with them for the rest of their lives.

*(Additionally, an all-English programme, including intensive Arabic tuition, is available from Grade 1 for students joining the school with a limited knowledge of the Arabic language).

Upper Senior School (Grades 9-12)...

The Senior School programme, taught mainly in English, prepares students for the external examinations of the IB (International Baccalaureate). A unique curriculum has been formulated for Bridge Years 1 and 2 (Grades 9 and 10). The objective of the carefully designed syllabus is to provide students with a strong foundation for their subsequent IB studies. The International General Certificate of Secondary Education syllabus is used as a basis; a number of supplementary elements have, however been incorporated into the curriculum, with the objective of enabling students to make a smooth transition into the IB Programme. Students acquire some of the skills, for example research and laboratory skills, and understanding of concepts which will be required when they begin their IB studies in Grade 11. This should enable students better to manage their workload and meet the demanding requirements of the IB Programme.

Whilst the School does not enter students for the IGCSE examinations, their tuition fully prepares them to sit for these exams and the School will give every support and assistance to students wishing to enter for them privately.

The goal of the Senior School is to give young students the best possible education, prepare them for the challenges of the most competitive colleges and universities, and to provide them with the ethical foundation to make competent choices as adults.

The IB programme is a rigorous pre-university course of study, leading to examinations that meet the needs of highly motivated secondary school students between the ages of 16 and 19 years. It is designed as a comprehensive two-year curriculum, which allows its graduates to fulfill the requirements of various national educational systems. The diploma model is based on the pattern of no single country but incorporates the best elements of many.

Beyond the high intellectual and academic standards demanded, a strong emphasis is placed on the ideals of international understanding and responsible citizenship. The desired profile of the IB student is that of a critical and compassionate thinker, an informed participant in local and world affairs and one who values the shared humanity that binds all people together, while respecting the variety of cultures and attitudes that constitutes the richness of life. The students are exposed to the two great traditions of learning, the Humanities and the Sciences, with the unique feature of crossing the barriers which separate the two through the Theory of Knowledge.

In addition to their academic studies, IB students are required to participate in CAS (Creativity, Action, Service). This programme, in seeking to achieve the IB’s goal of educating the whole person and fostering a more compassionate and active citizenry, emphasises the importance of life outside the world of scholarship and involves the student, amongst other things, in various community and social service activities.

IB diploma holders gain admission to prestigious universities throughout the world; some colleges and universities offer advanced standing or course credit to students with high IB examination results.

For more information, please check the Student Manual.













Kindergarten and Junior School... The Montessori experience begins in pre-school and continues through Grade Five. During this period, emphasis is placed on an interactive learning process. Basic skills and problem-solving abilities are developed to build a firm foundation for future academic progress. Accordingly, students enjoy an abundance of extra-curricular activities, including field trips, attendance at lectures by guest speakers, art and drama, all of which are aimed at broadening young students’ horizons. In preparation for the expanded worlds of opportunity now open to young people, leadership training is implemented and an interest in the welfare of others is developed through community service projects. Kindergarten... The Modern Montessori Kindergarten aims to provide a rich and stimulating environment where children can develop to their full potential. The curriculum is based on the principles of the Montessori method and encourages a positive attitude and disposition to learning. The children in KG are taught by trained Montessori directresses and directors who facilitate the carefully planned, vertically grouped, structured environment to implement the child-centred approach. This is based on allowing the child to experience the excitement of learning by his own choice and helping him to perfect all his natural potentials for learning, so that his abilities will be at a maximum in future learning situations. Specially designed activities and equipment aim to meet the child’s physical, social, emotional, intellectual and spiritual needs through practical life exercises, sensorial training activities, literacy, numeracy and environmental and cultural activities. For more details, please check out our curriculum and policy booklet (English, Arabic). All kindergarten teachers have completed a rigorous teacher training programme run by ICME. Junior School (Grades 1-3)*... In Grades 1-3, qualified teachers design projects and conduct research to prepare a comprehensive integrated syllabus which corresponds to the Ministry of Education’s curriculum. Most subjects are taught in both Arabic and English simultaneously and much individual attention is ensured by a teacher/student ratio of 1:12 . This lends itself to group work, individual teaching, better interaction and the use of democratic teaching methods. Teaching leans towards “Spiral and Network”, which begins with the part expanding to the whole and then moves from sensory to abstract realisation by using Montessori materials, a rich variety of which, covering Math, Languages, Science and Social Science, is available from the Montessori Resource Room. Students participate in a varied range of subject-related projects, as well as a wide assortment of extra-curricular activities. The availability of a well-equipped Science Lab assists students in understanding scientific concepts. In this way, the acquisition of knowledge becomes meaningful and serves the individual in his or her future life. *Junior School (Grades 4-6)... In Grades 4, 5 and 6, our children continue the learning process in accordance with the school’s philosophy, which is based on the child’s natural desire to learn and our faith in his or her ability. Our students develop in an environment in which they seek knowledge by using observation techniques, exploration and persuasion. Two languages (Arabic and English) are taught according to the Ministry of Education’s requirements as well as a syllabus, specially prepared by the school, to broaden the students’ perspectives and understanding and to develop their creative expression. Additionally, an all-English programme, including intensive Arabic tuition, is available from Grade 6 for students joining the school with a limited knowledge of the Arabic language. Specialised teachers also teach design technology, drama, art, physical education, music and computer studies. In addition to our distinguished sports and academic activities, various extra-curricular activities are available. A student may choose whichever activity he or she finds appropriate and pursue it after school hours. Lower Senior School (Grades 7-8)...* Perhaps there is no time more critical to a student’s overall development than these transitional years. As students undergo physical, emotional and intellectual changes, they need an academic and social programme that supports their various stages of growth. At the Modern Montessori School , the programme for Grades 7-8 is designed to build confidence and competence. The Lower Senior school faculty is selected for its expertise in this field of instruction and its desire to teach at this level. Small grouping allows teachers to help each student develop his or her academic, communication, leadership and social skills at an appropriate pace, in a warm and caring environment. By the time they have completed Grades 7 and 8, Montessori students are well grounded in the basic skills necessary to succeed in Senior School and have developed a positive sense of self-worth which will remain with them for the rest of their lives. (Additionally, an all-English programme, including intensive Arabic tuition, is available from Grade 1 for students joining the school with a limited knowledge of the Arabic language). Upper* Senior School (Grades 9-12)... The Senior School programme, taught mainly in English, prepares students for the external examinations of the IB (International Baccalaureate). A unique curriculum has been formulated for Bridge Years 1 and 2 (Grades 9 and 10). The objective of the carefully designed syllabus is to provide students with a strong foundation for their subsequent IB studies. The International General Certificate of Secondary Education syllabus is used as a basis; a number of supplementary elements have, however been incorporated into the curriculum, with the objective of enabling students to make a smooth transition into the IB Programme. Students acquire some of the skills, for example research and laboratory skills, and understanding of concepts which will be required when they begin their IB studies in Grade 11. This should enable students better to manage their workload and meet the demanding requirements of the IB Programme. Whilst the School does not enter students for the IGCSE examinations, their tuition fully prepares them to sit for these exams and the School will give every support and assistance to students wishing to enter for them privately. The goal of the Senior School is to give young students the best possible education, prepare them for the challenges of the most competitive colleges and universities, and to provide them with the ethical foundation to make competent choices as adults. The IB programme is a rigorous pre-university course of study, leading to examinations that meet the needs of highly motivated secondary school students between the ages of 16 and 19 years. It is designed as a comprehensive two-year curriculum, which allows its graduates to fulfill the requirements of various national educational systems. The diploma model is based on the pattern of no single country but incorporates the best elements of many. Beyond the high intellectual and academic standards demanded, a strong emphasis is placed on the ideals of international understanding and responsible citizenship. The desired profile of the IB student is that of a critical and compassionate thinker, an informed participant in local and world affairs and one who values the shared humanity that binds all people together, while respecting the variety of cultures and attitudes that constitutes the richness of life. The students are exposed to the two great traditions of learning, the Humanities and the Sciences, with the unique feature of crossing the barriers which separate the two through the Theory of Knowledge. In addition to their academic studies, IB students are required to participate in CAS (Creativity, Action, Service). This programme, in seeking to achieve the IB’s goal of educating the whole person and fostering a more compassionate and active citizenry, emphasises the importance of life outside the world of scholarship and involves the student, amongst other things, in various community and social service activities. IB diploma holders gain admission to prestigious universities throughout the world; some colleges and universities offer advanced standing or course credit to students with high IB examination results. For more information, please check the Student Manual.