Our Philosophy

Our Philosophy

“Preparing young people for the complexities of the future requires challenge based, and highly personalised and socialised learning. The twenty-first century calls for global citizens who are comfortable working with ideas and abstractions as well as individuals who build relationships, adapt, collaborate, and think creatively and innovatively. MIC is committed to providing ways of working that ensure students have the skills to shape their own futures and the futures of their communities”.

Chiray Fitton, Principal

“An education capable of saving humanity is no small undertaking; it involves the spiritual development of man, the enhancement of his value as an individual, and the preparation of young people to understand the times in which they live.”.

Dr Maria Montessori, Education and Peace

Small by design

Small-by-design means we are able to personalise, adapt and respond to our students’ needs. Innovative and challenging learning contexts encourage our students to develop their sense of personal agency, and to do and achieve things for themselves. At every stage of development we celebrate discovery and provide opportunities for students to share hypotheses, reflect upon alternatives or reflect upon controversy.

We might be small but student learning is diverse, cohesive and purposeful. More than a decade of research validates the workings and virtues of small learning communities.

Whether it is investigating the formation of stars, becoming competent in expressing yourself, learning the language of mathematics or music, creating and implementing solutions for effective watershed, or exploring local, regional, and global contexts in the City of Shanghai, a MIC student is immersed in their learning experience and seeks out ways to see the wider world and celebrate its diversity.

Our commitment to the health and wellbeing of our students is another ‘size’ factor that sets MIC apart from other schools – a factor that is a powerful element in successful learning.

Our teachers are one of our greatest assets

MIC teachers maintain the highest standards of practice and mirror to a far greater extent ways of working that can be found among today’s most innovative and vibrant organisations in the creative industries. Individual talent and working together is the dominant paradigm. Our teachers, often holding multiple degrees, are talented and empowered to respond to the individual needs of their students. They model respect and work tirelessly to serve the children and adolescents in their care. They are thoroughly trained in Montessori theory and practice and are selected on the basis of their enthusiastic motivation.

Under the guidance and care of their teachers, students at MIC become valuable contributors to their own learning. With encouragement and dedication, our students learn how to manage their own learning journey, skillfully supported by their guides. We remain true to the Montessori approach and believe that at the heart of our learners’ experience is skillful teaching that puts the learner in control.

Lifelong friendships begin here

Friendships at MIC are unique and very important to the students. Many of our students commence their learning together at age 3. It’s a bit like being among extended family. The students enjoy close-knit relationships and the social environment is collaborative and inclusive.

More than anything else, it is their caring and supportive friendships that make school life fun and enjoyable. In addition to student friendships, life-long family friendships are formed at MIC.

Within the warm atmosphere of MIC, students make friends easily and develop strong bonds. Their support and care for one another is demonstrated in all that they do. Each year the students express their sense of being valued, that their opinion counts and they enjoy coming to school. These comments confirm the harmony and productivity of their learning environments. Research shows that happy students make successful learners. The well being of each of our students is always at the forefront of our thinking. An MIC student is not just another face but an individual with a unique personality.

Teachers, students and parents enjoy an old-fashioned sense of friendship and collaboration. This opportunity for community, stability and a true sense of community within the school means a great deal to us at MIC. Your child will quickly feel connected to and at home at MIC.

What success looks like at MIC

At MIC, success is a student who graduates as an independent thinker, accomplished, responsible for themselves and others, civil, self-directed, self-motivated, and enthusiastic for distinction in all they do. Montessori education helps children learn how to identify good questions and find their own answers independently. Montessori students are active participants in their own education. They don’t rely on others to tell them what to do – a trait which will make them valuable in whatever work they choose, and successful in the life they create.