Why we are here – A word from the Director
Our School started in 1998, with only a handful of children – my own and those of some friends.
I realized, without knowing much about the Montessori system of education – I was already half a ‘montessori-an’ at heart – believing in and practicing some of Dr Montessori’s ways with my own children. This made the journey of opening my own school more personal and meaningful. I wanted everyone around me to experience this amazing way of learning and living.
With a passion for making a real difference, my team and I set out to change the traditional concept of education, to make learning an enjoyable and holistically enriching experience for all those involved.
Through all the ups and downs we have stayed true to our vision of creating a unique school. In doing so we have surrounded ourselves with determined staff and passionate educators who have helped us create a conducive learning environment which nurtures every child to reach their full potential. It is this team which has built a strong foundation that will allow us to continue our path of delivering excellent education to our children.
MLC is a school with a purpose. We are here to make a difference. Our goal is to raise bright, enthusiastic and happy children who can drive positive change in our world.
Mrs Gilbert, our Primary and Secondary Head Teacher
The most fertile environment for such growth is one like MLC Schools, which particularly welcomes initiatives in personalised learning, differentiation, creative and critical thinking, resilience training, problem-solving and leadership opportunities. Teacher-focused ‘chalk and talk’ needs to be replaced by a far more flexible and effective form of curriculum delivery that is more akin to ‘facilitation’.
In these complicated times, a school more than ever has a crucial role in equipping young people for the challenges they will face. I believe that students should begin to hone their skills of leadership, independent learning and communication long before they reach the Sixth Form and I believe that opportunities for students to develop these important life skills should be offered from the youngest age.
In the 25 years I have worked in Senior Leadership roles, I have seen the ‘all through’ model work to outstanding effect, particularly with regard to pastoral care, student welfare and the quality of relationships between each member of the school community. As MLC Schools grows towards its fullest extent, it will be an important part of my role to bring together the teaching expertise, resources and student bodies of the Kindergarten, Primary and Secondary sections of the school, to everyone’s advantage.
My vision is for MLC Schools to be a vibrant learning community of young people who exude self-confidence, academic excellence and a strong sense of community spirit. Our learning environment really is the ‘best of both worlds’: the structured, academically rigorous English National Curriculum delivered mindfully with an ethos that fosters the whole person and celebrates uniqueness. This is an ideal education to me.
A few words from our Kindergarten Head Teacher.
Being a dyslexic child myself, I never understood some concepts until I came across the Montessori pedagogy. It opened a whole new world, one of hope and happiness. This journey of understanding myself allowed me to reach my true potential. It is through this experience that I learnt that I wanted to become and educator, someone who could share their experiences and help every child strive to be happy and successful regardless of their background.
MLC is a school that allows students, educators and staff of all backgrounds to feel at home. We havecreated an environment that instils important values and morals with a strong educational and extra- curricular foundation, allowing students to excel in their passions.
I have witnessed this school grow over the past 20 years and have learnt that no two students are the same. Our approach to education is unique, it is tailored to all learning abilities and it focuses on developing each child holistically.
Our attitude here at MLC is to keep an open mind, be flexible and adapt to the changing world. We always bring best practices to our staff which in turn helps us develop a strong, current curriculum, making sure our children are getting the best form of education.
