“Imagine a school where each child is seen as an individual.” That’s River House Montessori School. It stands near Canary Wharf. Let’s step inside and explore its story.
River House Montessori School started in September 1994. It began with just two employees and five pupils. The school quickly grew in popularity. It soon had over 180 pupils. River House aimed to provide a safe and friendly place. This included both term education and childcare during school holidays.
What makes River House unique? Its core belief that every child is different. The school lets each child learn in their own way. Even young children learn to be independent in learning and self-care. River House is driven by passion. Adaptability and resilience are key too. The well-being and learning of each child is most important. Staff empathize with pupils parents and colleagues.
Located near Canary Wharf the school has an international feel. Pupils come from at least 50 countries. River House supports the children of parents working nearby. It is ideal for families in the financial center and local businesses.
The success of River House Montessori School comes from a simple desire. They want pupils to grow reach their goals and succeed. Their social and caring approach sets them apart.
The pre-school uses full Montessori principles for children aged three and four. As a result many children read and write basic words early. They also gain knowledge of numbers and sums. This happens before they enter reception at age five.
In the early years of primary school children continue to use Montessori methods. As they progress more mainstream practices are introduced. These include group learning structured lessons and tests.
Tests and examinations are introduced gradually. Formal assessments happen once a year in the summer. They take place during the normal school day. Times are not announced beforehand. “Revision” isn’t used until the end of year five. Then children learn how to use their skills for exams. They take practice tests to prepare for secondary school entrance exams.
Class sizes are small to teach each child individually. There are about sixteen to eighteen pupils per class. Each class has a teacher and a teaching assistant.
The school also had a secondary department for students aged 12 to 16. At present admission to this department is reserved to students who have attended the primary school although the intention is that this will be expanded in the future.
The pre-school has up to five classrooms. Each includes mixed age groups and genders. Each class has a teacher class assistant and a maximum of sixteen children.
Children follow a Montessori curriculum. They start with practical life exercises. These exercises develop physical control coordination and concentration. Then they use Montessori materials to learn shape colour and size. Finally they prepare for reading writing and number work.
Reading is taught phonetically. Many children read simple books early. They also learn addition and subtraction. Children can attend pre-school for full days or mornings or afternoons only. All options are on a five-day week basis. Every child in pre-school has a guaranteed place in the primary school’s reception year.
The primary school also has small classes. The Montessori method is combined with the English National Curriculum. This helps children reach their potential. Classes usually follow one-year age groups. The school encourages interaction between all classes and ages.
Teaching follows a weekly timetable. The curriculum covers core subjects. These are Literacy Mathematics and Science. It also covers Humanities I.T. Music Art Speech and Drama Modern Languages and Citizenship. PHSE lessons teach personal and social development. All children swim do gym and play games.
River House leavers are confident and well-rounded. They have reached their academic potential. They are enthusiastic about their next stage of learning. River House leavers have gained places at many selective schools.
The school’s Secondary Department opened in September 2011. Students in Key Stage 3 study a broad curriculum. This includes English Language Mathematics Science Modern Languages Latin and Classics. It also includes Information Technology Art Music and Citizenship. History and Geography are studied through self-study projects.
River House Montessori School closed on 17 June 2024. It had been open since 26 January 1995. The reason for closure was simply listed as closure.