Rainbow's curriculum is clearly laid out with reference to the government's attainment targets and key stages, enabling parents to clearly understand their child's progress. Montessori education is particularly suited to achieving the cross-curriculum approach encouraged by the National Curriculum. The idea of cross-curriculum themes was originated by Dr. Montessori and is achieved by regular project work encompassing and developing many different subjects at the same time.
The emphasis in the Montessori classroom is on the inter-related nature of the various subjects taught. Traditional areas of study are complemented by subjects reflecting a rapidly changing world - History, Geography, General Science, Music, the Arts, Drama and Physical Education are joined by Information Communication Technology (ICT) and Design & Technology.
Our children are encouraged to do further research in their class and individual projects by regular field trips and excursions. We have had recent visits to the National Gallery, Mount Fitchet Castle and the Isle of Wight, to name but a few. Additional trips to theatres for special drama productions and workshops have also been arranged such as the Globe Theatre and the London Symphony Orchestra.
There is regular homework, which is mainly given as preparation or research for projects. Parents are requested to be involved and help their children with this and any other extra work, which may be sent home
In addition to core subjects, a number of optional classes / clubs are available including: French, Spanish, Swimming, Singing, Drama, ICT, Cookery, Art and Dance. W e would recommend that all children learn an instrument. W e offer private lessons in piano, guitar and most woodwind instruments.
Rainbow Montessori pupils regularly have their poems published following success in a national poetry competition. We have had two children that have been successful in securing full scholarship places at the Purcell School of Music. Two of our children have also won a nationwide poster competition for Amnesty International after which the posters were used as part of Amnesty's campaign. In addition, one of our children won a competition organized by Shelter by designing their new collection box.
A feature of Montessori education is that each child is continually observed and assessed by their teachers. Parents are requested to meet the teachers once per term at which point they will receive a summary of their child's progress. There will also be a full written report on each child per year.
Competition and examination are not a part o f the Montessori method. However, older children approaching entrance examinations will be given tutorial guidance on request.
Ofsted Inspector gave the Junior School a full investigation in 2011 and in an overwhelmingly positive report noted that:
The pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is outstanding.
Their sense of responsibility and self-discipline result in outstanding behavior.
Reading, writing and numeracy are taught systematically and pupils have many opportunities to develop their creative writing skills.
Pupils’ learning is supported very effectively by a good range of resources, particularly the Montessori sensorial resources for mathematics.
Through the Montessori approach and the consistent guidance given by staff, pupils develop very high levels of independence, self-discipline, self- confidence and self-esteem.
A parent was noted as saying, ‘My child is having an incredibly positive and rewarding experience both in education and emotional development.’
A child was noted as saying, ‘Our school is special because our teachers care about us and let us express our opinions!’
Please click to see the full Ofsted report
ABSENTEEISM / LATENESS
It is a requirement that all requests for leave o f absences are addressed in writing to the school, with as much notice as possible please. If a child is unable to attend through sickness, telephone as soon as possible and confirm it in writing on the child's return to school. If your child is likely to be late for school, please telephone the school secretary by 9.30am. Four 'late arrivals' will equal one unauthorised absence.
SCHOOL TERMS
There are three terms of school per year. Each term is between 10 and 12 weeks long. Half term is one week. Exact dates are displayed on the school notice board and on our website .
SCHOOL LUNCH
The school has hot lunches delivered daily. The healthy, wholesome, nutritious and delicious lunches are prepared by Hugo's Cafe. The menu is changed from time to time. The pupils are involved in the choices. On outings pupils are required to bring packed lunch.
SCHOOL UNIFORM
Rainbow's school uniform is colourful and practical (i.e. jeans and sweatshirts). Details are given in the uniform list available on request. Children are required to wear full school uniform daily.
There are also winter hats and summer caps to comply with our heath and safety policy. An apron is needed for artwork and cookery.
School coats (including raincoats)
Any appropriate style but must be in a ‘school’ colour i.e. red, blue/navy or yellow
RMS sweat shirts
or approved Rainbow jumpers/cardigans/fleeces
White polo shirt (long or short sleeved) or Rainbow T shirt,
Polo neck jumpers for winter (under sweatshirts), white, navy or red.
Outdoor shoes suitable for the season – any colour.
NO OPEN TOES, NO TRAINERS, NO CROCS
Indoor shoes black or white plimsolls
NO CROCS (for H & S reasons)
Tights/leggings any in school colours (red, blue, yellow & white) or Rainbow tights
Skirt/Jeans blue denim
Hats
Winter: winter cap or beanie
Summer: sports cap for boys and girls or summer boater for girls
SUMMER ATTIRE
Girls: Yellow & white striped or check dress/skirt
Boys: Navy shorts (denim or smart/casual)
For P.E.
Navy Montessori sweat shirt
White Rainbow Montessori T shirt
Navy tracksuit bottoms or royal/navy shorts
School baseball cap & sports trainers.
Gym bag for PE & outings.
PLEASE MAKE SURE ALL ITEMS ARE CLEARLY NAMED
WHERE TO BUY OUR UNIFORM
Harrow School Outfitters, 32, High Street, HARROW ON THE HILL, Middlesex. HA1 3L Tel: 020 8422 1045
From 2nd January 2015 the new address is:
The Outfitters
23 High Street
Harrow on the Hill
Middlesex, HA1 3HT
0208 422 1045
http://www.theschoolwearspecialists.co.uk/rainbow-montessori-school/c29
STAFF
All Rainbow class teachers are fully qualified Montessori directresses/directors trained by recognized Montessori colleges both here and abroad. Currently, there are 7 full time teachers and 5 visiting teachers, most of whom have degree qualifications in addition to their Montessori diplomas. Additionally, teachers and/or staff hold the relevant qualifications in the following areas: Fire Marshalling, First Aid, Swimming Instruction, Health and Hygiene, Child Protection, and Special Educational Needs.
Please ensure you have read and understood these policies as they form part of our terms of admission.
Policy areas included, are:
If required, the full school policies are available in the office on request.
You play a vital role in your child's education and we try to maintain a very open communication with you. We welcome parents to come and share culture, talents, or help on outings. As a parent you are automatically a member of our parent/teacher association charity known as Friends of Rainbow (F.o.R). Each class has a parent representative to help inform you of current events and future plans and parents have a regular newsletter which is posted on our website.
