The transition from Pre-Primary to Primary marks a shift in how the child learns. The young child absorbed the world through the senses. The primary aged child wants to understand it: to know why things work, how history unfolded, where in the universe we sit.
The Great Lessons
Southside Montessori’s Lower Primary program uses the Montessori Great Lessons as a starting point, dramatic stories that introduce the origins of the universe, life on earth, human history and language. From these seeds, children pursue deep inquiry into science, geography, history, mathematics and language arts.
Going out
Children at this age are ready to take their questions beyond the classroom. Going out is a Montessori practice where small groups plan and undertake their own research trips, working out what they need to know, who they need to speak to and how they will get there. It builds independence and real world confidence alongside the academic work.
The curriculum
Language
Reading, writing, grammar and confident spoken language.
Mathematics
From concrete Montessori materials to abstract operations and problem solving.
Geometry and Measurement
Shape, space and measurement explored through hands-on materials.
History, Geography and Science
The story of the universe, life on earth, cultures and how the world works.
Creative Arts
Art, music, drama and dance woven through everyday learning.
Languages other than English
An introduction to an additional language and culture.
Personal Development, Health and PE
Wellbeing, healthy choices, movement and physical activity.
How learning works
Learning is still self-directed and materials based, but increasingly collaborative. Children work in pairs and small groups, present research to their class, and take genuine ownership of their learning.
Curriculum and standards
The program is delivered in alignment with NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) syllabus outcomes and the Montessori National Curriculum (2025), recognised by ACARA in December 2025 as an alternative national curriculum framework and aligned with Australian Curriculum v9. Montessori education often extends beyond prescribed outcomes, supporting deep understanding, independence and academic rigour, while ensuring students meet NESA requirements.
Assessment and reporting
Assessment is embedded in the Montessori learning process through presentations, observation and progress towards mastery. Families receive academic reports each semester and participate in scheduled parent-teacher conferences. Students also take part in NAPLAN, which we view as one of many assessment tools. Our focus remains on the development of the whole child rather than performance on a single test