High School Alternative Pathways Perth – Montessori Education Approach

One of the Leading Independent Rockingham High Schools

As an alternative school that allows children to learn at their own pace and follow their own personal interests, Rockingham Montessori’s teaching methods promote optimal learning and wellbeing whilst being an active participant in their own education.

Rockingham Montessori School’s High School Alternative Pathways education is embodied in our Adolescent Program (Montessori High School) for students aged twelve to eighteen. Following Montessori Education’s third plane of development, our classrooms are the settings for ‘prepared environments’ where our students are designed to meet their physical and psychological needs.

Since adolescents have a ‘humanistic mind’ eager to understand humanity and the contribution they can make to society, we make sure that our High School Alternative Pathways education program will cater to the different interests of our students. Our high school program has a strong influence on the child’s personal growth in the areas of public speaking, the arts, sports, business, economics, entrepreneurship, out-of-school activities and work-readiness skills.

Our High School Alternative Pathways education approach follows the Australian Montessori Curriculum in Middle School and incorporates Western Australia’s Senior School Curriculum in the form of Courses of Study in the Senior School. Our high school program is also developed in conjunction with Big Picture Education Australia and Murdoch University. Big Picture Education Australia is a non-profit company whose core business is the transformation of education in response to a rapidly changing world. At the heart is a departure from traditional ‘appointment learning’ where everyone learns the same things according to a fixed timetable inside the four walls of a school. Well-aligned with the Montessori philosophy, Big Picture is based on the belief that personalised, passion-based learning is the key to modernising education and preparing young people uncommonly well for successful futures. Nurturing creativity, curiosity and independence is core to Big Picture practice.

After Graduation

All students are encouraged to set their sights high for their personal achievement that is why we also make sure that our High School Alternative Pathways education also aligns to Tertiary Admission to enable our students to continue learning once they graduate from our school. The Adolescent Program incorporates internships to ensure students gain real-life experiences to guide their future career pathways.

There is a range of post-school options available for Senior School students. Students are able to undertake VET qualifications on campus or with a registered training facility. Tertiary pathways are strongly encouraged, and Year 12 students are able to access an undergraduate tertiary bridging program for Murdoch University whilst enrolled with us. Through our affiliation with Big Picture Australia students are able to utilise portfolio entry as an alternative pathway to university entry.

Montessori Education as an Alternative Pathway to Adolescent Development (12 to 18 years)

The Montessori program for children aged 12 to 18 years is based on the recognition of the special characteristics of adolescence. Adolescence is an age of great social development, an age of critical thinking and re-evaluation, and a period of self-concern and self-assessment. It is a transition from childhood to adulthood with the corresponding physical, mental and sexual maturation. In early puberty, the adolescent finds it hard to concentrate on academic and structured learning. Above all adolescence is like an odyssey – an arduous yet exciting adventure – where the adolescent tries to find his or her place in the world.