Cosmic Education
The Montessori curriculum for primary aged children is broad and deep. We offer tamariki the universe through Cosmic Education so they can use their immense powers of imagination and intellect to become individuals suited to their time, and their place in the world.
Cosmic Education is the integrated study of the history of the universe, the coming of life, the evolution of plants and animals, the coming of humans and the development of civilisations through which geography, history, zoology, botany, and earth sciences are woven.
Throughout your child’s time in Montessori at primary school they will hear the five Great Lessons. The stories aim to spark the fire of imagination in the child, and are used as spring boards for further study. These topics are consistently integrated through our literacy and numeracy programmes.
Maria Montessori saw great potential in children. Having lived through two horrific world wars Montessori put great value on having a community ethos that valued peace as vital to creating a generation of peacemakers. She believed that protecting and treasuring the universe, specifically the environment we are dependent on for existence, is the work of all humans. Montessori outlined the Cosmic Curriculum, integrating diverse concepts traditionally covered by science, history, geography and The Arts, to equip children ‘in their whole being for the adventure of life’ (Montessori, To Educate the Human Potential, 2007, pg 1). Cosmic education helps children see the commonalities between humans. They develop a strong sense of their place in time, sense of self-identity and have a respectful awareness of other humans and the cultural and physical environments they find themselves in.
Integrating Cosmic Education
With a vision of ‘young people developing the competencies they need for study, work, and lifelong learning, so they may go on to realise their potential’, the New Zealand Curriculum (NZC) is complimentary to the aims of Cosmic Education. At Ōtari School we integrate Cosmic Education into NZC across several learning areas, and interweave it within its principals and values. Cosmic Education is present in the learning areas of science, social science, the arts, health & physical education, and technology. Through the principal of ‘coherence’ NZC makes links within and across learning areas and opens up pathways to further learning. It lists seven values to help people live together and thrive. Including Cosmic Education in a New Zealand school setting fulfils both the letter and spirit of NZC.
Interwoven with all work at Otari School are ‘ways of being’: the concept of community (whānaungatanga) and teaching of virtues. These fundamental elements enable us to bring the curriculum to life in our environment and enable the children to find ways to make a difference. In the Montessori classes there are many implicit and explicit ways that we explore peace such as discussing differing views, offering peaceful role models, discussing ways of peacefully solving problems and helping children see the common features of humanity across cultures and times.
The world is rapidly changing and we must adapt at a similar rate to keep pace. We continually ask ourselves what we need to offer the child of today to help them become an individual suited to their time, and their place in the world.
Maria Montessori hoped deeply for a peaceful future, and understood that it could only be achieved through children. With this lofty aim, Cosmic Education, as a catalyst for peace, is fundamental to the entire Montessori programme.
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