September has been a cracker of a month as we kicked off the new school year under our new classroom name, Solano, which was chosen by the children after the Catalan artist Susana Solano. We have brought together a wonderful mix of new and returning children from across different classes, each bringing heaps of energy, curiosity and fresh perspectives into our shared space. Coming back to such a warm and vibrant community has made the transition back into school life a real joy.
We hit the ground running with a strong start to our cosmic education curriculum. In upper elementary, we reckon the best way to learn is to put the children in charge. This month, the First and Second Great Stories — the Formation of the Universe and the Coming of Life — were presented by the children to the children. Watching the older students take ownership of these foundational narratives, guiding their peers through the creation of Earth and the evolution of life, was a proud moment for our community.
On 18th September, we headed out on our very first school outing of the year to La Selva d’Aventures. Designed to foster teamwork, strengthen group bonds and build a deep sense of belonging, the day gave everyone a chance to navigate outdoor challenges together in a peaceful natural setting. The children absolutely loved every minute of it, testing their limits and supporting one another through the treetops. As Maria Montessori noted, “There must be provision for the child to have contact with nature; to understand and appreciate the order, the harmony and the beauty in nature.”
We wrapped up the month with our very first classroom talent show, showcasing a fantastic range of performances, from dramatic skits right through to a clever piano DJ session using the keyboard’s built-in synth sound effects and electronic beats. We coupled this excitement with our monthly birthday celebration, enjoying delicious cookies freshly baked by the children (one each, perfectly measured and shared).
Behind the scenes of all these grand events, the steady hum of daily work has been in full swing. The children have dived straight back into their individual work choices with great focus. We have launched straight into brand new presentations and deep explorations across the curriculum, including research into Great Civilisations, lively book clubs, spelling definitions, mathematical operations and word problems, as well as classifications across the animal and plant kingdoms.
It has been a cracking start to the year, and we look forward to watching this group continue to support one another and grow together in the months ahead.