Montessori Early Childhood Practice - BA (Hons)

Our Montessori Early Childhood Practice BA (Hon) examines the study of play, development and learning of young children focusing on Montessori philosophy and practice.

On the course you’ll be introduced to historical, political and socio-cultural contexts that affect early childhood studies. You will explore range of local and international perspectives too passive with reference to children’s rights, children’s health and wellbeing, as well as pedagogical and curriculum approaches. You will also draw on disciplines such as psychology, sociology and social policy when studying child development and play.

The distinct philosophy and pedagogy of Montessori practice is embedded throughout the course, with the aim of helping you to develop as a reflective practitioner who is forward thinking, responsive and ready to engage in contemporary early years discourse. You’ll also find emphasis on active learning with a gradual transition from guided study to more independent and self-directed learning.

Our approach will combine face-to-face and online study to provide flexibility but also allow you to collaborate with tutors and fellow students. Our virtual learning environment will hold all key resources, including interactive workbooks, additional reading, video and text resources. It will also provide an additional source for communication with fellow students and tutors, as well as being a hub for assignment submission, formative feedback and peer review. During classes we’ll employ a variety of teaching and learning strategies, including workshop-seminars, lectures, apparatus practice in specifically equipped Montessori classrooms, guided reading, individual tutorials, independent study and opportunities for reflection on practice.

In addition to our University resources, such as the Learning Centre, you’ll have access to the specialist Montessori and early years library located in St John’s Wood. You’ll also have access to a common room, where you’ll be able to discuss your lessons and practice with fellow students.

Our programme is focused on workplace skills and professional practice and therefore you’ll undertake observations during your placement and complete a range of tasks and reflective exercises to improve your theoretical understanding in the context of professional practice. You’ll handle curriculum materials and make evaluations of curriculum approaches, resources and practice and reflect on techniques to promote effective interactions with parents/carers. You’ll also develop transferable skills in presenting evidence, arguments and points of view to a range of audiences through a range of media.

You’ll be assessed by a series of practical assessments that will be setting-based. There will also be written assignments, presentations and a portfolio. In your final year you will complete a research project.