Our Curriculum
Cognitive development is nurtured through a child-centered curriculum that encourages curiosity and independent thinking. We offer hands-on learning in numeracy, literacy, and problem-solving, allowing children to explore and engage with the world around them. Through a mix of structured activities and spontaneous exploration, we help build a strong foundation for critical thinking and lifelong learning.
COGNITIVE
We cultivate social development through a blend of independent and collaborative experiences, teaching children respect, responsibility, and social cohesion. Our child-centered approach encourages peer interaction, friendship building, and navigating social dynamics in a supportive setting. By cultivating cooperation and empathy, we help children develop essential social skills for positive community interactions.
SOCIAL
We foster emotional intelligence by encouraging children to recognise, understand, and manage their emotions in a supportive environment. Our highly trained staff use nurturing and respectful approaches to help children build self-esteem, empathy, and resilience. By allowing children the freedom to express themselves and navigate their emotions, we help them develop the confidence and emotional maturity needed for lifelong success.
EMOTIONAL
From climbing frames and nature walks to hands-on activities like gardening, riding bikes and intricate tool work, children are immersed in movement that fosters strength, coordination, and confidence. We believe that active bodies lead to engaged minds, and our curriculum integrates physical activity with natural exploration, helping each child reach their full potential.
PHYSICAL
CURRICULUM
We build our curriculum around the children’s interests, a progressive and developmentally appropriate Montessori activities list, our local environment and community - events and people. We enjoy a visit from our dance teacher and regularly have other guests and visitors sharing their passions, knowledge and experience with the children. Our strong community ties allow us to offer unique experiences, such as riding the steam train at Fawley Hill Country Estate, observing seasonal changes as we wonder through the vineyards and visiting local attractions linked to our curriculum. We are rooted in our values, have high expectations for ourselves and our children and ensure children spend their days with us discovering their own potential and passions.
MONTESSORI
By embracing the Montessori philosophy, we support the holistic development of each child, nurturing their cognitive, emotional, social, and physical growth. Practical life activities help children develop fine motor skills and everyday competencies, while sensorial activities sharpen their senses and enhance their understanding of the world. Our curriculum also includes numeracy, language, and literacy to build strong academic foundations, and creative activities to foster imagination and self-expression. Developing an interest and understanding of the world around us is something we delight in at Denning.
MONTESSORI PHILOSOPHY
The Montessori philosophy emphasises a child-centred approach, where children are given the freedom to choose their activities and learn at their own pace. This philosophy is rooted in the belief that children are naturally curious and capable learners. In our classroom, teachers act as guides and facilitators, supporting each child's individual learning journey and encouraging independence, critical thinking, and a love of learning. Our environment is designed to foster this autonomy, with materials and activities that are accessible and appealing to young learners.
OUR CLASSROOMS
Our Montessori classroom is a beautifully ordered and well-cared-for environment, with a variety of areas including practical life, sensorial, numeracy, language and literacy, understanding the world and creativity. We have a specially curated sensorial room that provides children with unique opportunities to explore and understand the world through their senses.
SOCIAL COHESION
Social cohesion is a fundamental aspect of the Montessori approach, teaching children to respect themselves and others. Through both independent work and collaborative activities, children learn the value of community and develop strong social skills. This environment encourages empathy, cooperation, and a sense of responsibility, helping children to form meaningful relationships and understand their role within a broader community. Through this comprehensive approach, we aim to cultivate confident, independent, and well-rounded individuals who are prepared for lifelong learning.
EYFS
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is a statutory framework that sets the standards for learning, development, and care for children from birth to five years old. The standards ensure that your child is given the right opportunities to learn and develop well, and are kept healthy and safe. At Denning Montessori School, we integrate the EYFS with our Montessori and Forest School philosophies to provide a comprehensive, child-centred approach to education.
“Mighty Oaks from Little Acorns Grow.”
OUTDOOR ACTIVITES
Incorporating nature into our curriculum aligns perfectly with the Montessori philosophy, which emphasises respect for the environment and learning through real-world experiences. By immersing children in outdoor activities, we nurture their innate curiosity and encourage them to explore and appreciate the natural world around them. This approach not only enhances their understanding of ecological concepts but also promotes physical health, creativity, emotional well-being, and so much more.
