Bloom Sarajevo Primary School
„Education between the ages of six to twelve is not a direct continuation of that which has gone before, though it is built upon that basis. Psychologically there is a decided change in personality, and we recognise that nature has made this a period for the acquisition of culture, just as the former was for the absorption of the environment."
Maria Montessori
6-12 Years of Age
As a child’s cognitive processes mature, hands-on materials are used to teach new concepts. An intentional integration of curriculum areas satisfies their thirst for detail, exploration, and curiosity at this stage. A variety of enabling environments promote the freedom to choose how to work, and students set daily and weekly goals to fulfill their increasing need for personal responsibility and independence.
Children become socially aware and develop a strong desire to belong to a group. Social-emotional role models shift from adults to peers.
Spirituality is explored through exposure to all religions, and children are encouraged to develop an understanding of cooperation and peace. Character development is prioritized throughout the curriculum. It is during this phase that children develop a firm orientation of right and wrong.
Learning through movement is likewise critical at this age. This is a time when children like to be physically challenged, they are willing to take risks, and they benefit from a variety of opportunities for expression through action.
Abstract thinking eventually takes hold, along with a capacity to problem solve. Children develop a reasoning mind, and they enjoy creative thinking, group discussion of critical questions, and in-depth research.
„Adolescence is an arbitrary, contrived category. In past eras children were children until the early teens wherein, through some rite of passage, they were ushered into and took their place in adult society. Today there is no economic place for young adults and no rites of passage. We have, instead, created a holding stage that keeps young people in a limbo, into which children enter earlier and adults stay longer year by year.“
Joseph Chilton Pearce, Evolution's End
12-14 Years of Age
The Classrooms
The primary program serves children ages 6 to 15. The Montessori philosophy and method is the canvas used to teach the local primary curriculum with an emphasis on extended individual or group projects and research. Children continue to develop cognitively, physically and emotionally with sensitivity for social, moral and spiritual growth.
Children gain social awareness through regular outings that enrich their understanding of the world surrounding them and their place in society. Spirituality is explored through exposure to all religions and their festivals. Children are encouraged to develop a sense of responsibility towards cooperation and peace as they gain mental independence. Specialist subject teaching is introduced from the 6th grade upward.