The IB & Montessori Complementary Continuum

It is increasingly evident that the IB framework & the Montessori method share many attributes in their educational approach and are in fact synergistic. Fundamentally, both systems strive to inspire a passion for learning and work to develop and support the child, expanding the holistic continuum from early childhood education to college-prep education.

Connecting the International Baccalaureate Curriculum with the Montessori Philosophy

IB Primary Years Programme

BRMC Little Lights Preschool - Barker is an authorized World School for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme and BRMC Little Lights Preschool - Vanda is pursuing a similar quality accreditation framework.

BRMC Little Lights Preschool - Barker as an IB World School shares a common philosophy - a commitment to improve the teaching and learning of a diverse and inclusive community of students by delivering challenging, high-quality programmes of international education that share a powerful vision.

IB Learner Profile

BRMC Little Lights Preschool - Barker runs the IB PYP programme that aims to develop internationally minded students who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world. The child-centred PYP framework allows students to understand, relate and exhibit the attributes of the 10 Learner Profiles in each inquiry learning process.

INQUIRERS

We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn independently and with others. We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of learning throughout life.

KNOWLEDGEABLE

We develop and use conceptual understanding, exploring knowledge across a range of disciplines. We engage with issues and ideas that have local and global significance.

THINKERS

We use critical and creative thinking skills to analyse and take responsible action on complex problems. We exercise initiative in making reasoned, ethical decisions.

COMMUNICATORS

We express ourselves confidently and creatively in more than one language and in many ways. We collaborate effectively, listening carefully to the perspectives of other individuals and groups.

PRINCIPLED

We act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere. We take responsibility for our actions and their consequences.

OPEN-MINDED

We critically appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others. We seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and we are willing to grow from the experience.

CARING

We show empathy, compassion, and respect. We have a commitment to service, and we act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world around us.

RISK-TAKERS

We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change.

BALANCED

We understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives—intellectual, physical, and emotional—to achieve well-being for ourselves and others. We recognize our interdependence with other people and with the world in which we live.

REFLECTIVE

We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience.

We work to understand our strengths and weaknesses in order to support our learning and personal development.

About Montessori

Developed by Dr Maria Montessori, the Montessori Method is a specific child-centred method of education based on child-directed activity and hands-on learning, allowing for self-paced, individualized education. Montessori focuses on developing the whole child, including academic, physical, social, emotional, and cognitive education, with the teacher acting as a guide in fostering the child’s joy of learning. Both the centres at Vanda and Barker will run our own proprietary Montessori programme integrating fine core learning areas.

The goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child’s own natural desire to learn.

- Maria Montessori