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Sydney Montessori School (1)http://www.ssms.nsw.edu.au/ Sydney Montessori School (formerly Sutherland Shire Montessori School) was established in 1981 by a small group of parents interested in an alternative education for their children. They established the Sutherland Shire Montessori Society Inc; a non-profit organisation run by its members and set up to administer the Sydney Montessori School. A Committee of Management of five parents is elected from the members to represent their interest.

The teaching methods and curricula are based on the methods, insights, materials and discoveries of Dr. Maria Montessori. Integrated with the NSW Education Department's curriculum, lessons and materials cater to sensory moto skills, language development, and socialisation, at each stage of a child's development. In addition to the necessary qualifications required by the relevant Government bodies in New South Wales, staff must complete additional 'Montessori' training overseas to provide the programme.

The objective is to provide an educational environment that develops in each child the self-confidence and inner security to learn independently, to build a habit of concentration, initiative and persistence, and to foster the child's curiosity, sense of order and love of learning.

The educational approach differ's significantly from traditional method's to focus on the individuality of the child. Special attention is placed on developing the child's sense of the self through age appropriate activities.

The school is situated on Manchester Road, Gymea in the Sutherland Shire. The site has an extensive outdoor area where the children can play and explore. A purpose-built educational environment, separate areas cater for the educational needs of children grouped into classes; pre-primary ages 3-6; primary ages 6-9 and 9-12; secondary year 7 through to HSC.

The specialised Montessori classroom equipment and materials are carefully designed to support the educational programmes and the needs of the children according to their level of development.

The Montessori motto is "Help me to do it for myself".