Junior High

(12 to 14 years)

“If help and salvation are to come, they can only come from the children, for the children are the makers of men.” Maria Montessori

“My vision of the future is no longer of people taking exams and proceeding on that certificate from the secondary school to the university, but of individuals passing from one stage of independence to a higher, by means of their own activity, through their own effort of will, which constitutes the inner evolution of the individual.”  Maria Montessori, International Montessori Congress, Oxford, 1936

For the adolescent child, Maria Montessori had a vision of a farm school which she called the “Erdkinder”. While a few Montessori schools have managed to implement this vision, notably the Hershey School, most have not.

The majority of Montessori schools, including Bishop Hamilton, run their Junior High within the context of the regular Montessori school. However, the adolescent child enters a plane of development different from all others: The distinct needs of the adolescent require and demand that the education program responds.

This is a period for great moral and philosophical development. The adolescent begins to see herself as a citizen of the world and wants to know her task in the scheme of things. The young adult has a desire for increased independence; she needs to plan, make choices, and execute decisions, in the light of an increased awareness and sensitivity to her role in the world. It is a time for great discussions and debates, for exploring and solidifying thoughts and answers to important moral questions.

In the large, airy adolescent classroom at Bishop Hamilton School, the young adults have the opportunity to explore and to learn. The curriculum is arranged logically around areas of interest.

Key Experiences in the Junior High

As the children are the oldest in the school a very high standard of behaviour is expected from them. They are role models for the younger children and their added responsibilities give them opportunities to interact positively with the younger students.

The Journey

Each year, in addition to trips to Montreal, Gatineau, and elsewhere, the adolescent children take part in a five day bike trip to the Kingston area. This trip is demanding, physically and mentally, but through weeks of practice, everyone is ready for the challenge. The challenge of planning, training, and actually going on the trip, demands the most from each student. They find an inner reserve of strength the knowledge of which gives them confidence.

Science Fair

To support the full science curriculum at this level, the adolescent children take part in the annual school science fair, for which their work is graded. Some children enter their projects in the regional science fair.

Latin

The students' studies are enriched by a weekly Latin class.

Transition to High School

Because of the very strong skills developed over the years in the Montessori program, the adolescent children transition easily to high schools. The students’ comfort in multi-age settings afford them confidence when they are dealing with adults and children alike. Their independence, good work habits, ability to solve problems, and to deal with adversity, makes the transition to high school easier. Children who have experienced a Montessori education are generally very confident and positive in their outlook. They welcome new experiences and opportunities to learn. Academically, they are very well prepared.

Testing in our Junior High allows the school and students to evaluate where they are in relation to peers not in the Montessori program. Also, grades are generally required when the Grade 8 students apply to schools with a particular program, such as the International Baccalaureate, gifted, or arts programs, offered by various schools. Private, independent high schools require grades, too.

“Enrichment Mini-Course Program”

The Enrichment Mini-Courses Program (EMCP) is a unique annual event in the world of Canadian education.

Since its creation in 1981, over 40,000 talented students – from grades 8 to 12 in Eastern Ontario, and Secondary II to V in Western Quebec – have been given the opportunity to explore a field of study or area of interest in a university or college setting. These students have acquired knowledge and skills that will help them achieve academic success and stimulate their interest in pursuing post-secondary studies.

In the Ottawa region, Carleton, Ottawa, and La Cité collégiale take active part in the EMC program offering a diverse set of courses during the first week in May each year. The 125 mini-courses first and foremost provide an unforgettable learning experience and a taste of what higher education can be! The courses cover a variety of disciplines such as information technology, psychology, engineering, journalism, music and law. They are highly interactive and combine brief presentations, practical exercises, laboratory exercises, group discussions and field expeditions. They are specifically targeted to the age-group attending.

Bishop Hamilton School has taken part in this program since 2006. Grade eight students will choose from courses such as:

and many, many more! Students who have participated in the Enrichment Mini-Courses Program in the past and who are accepted full-time into the first year of a regular program offered by one of the participating post-secondary institutions stand a chance of receiving the Enrichment Mini-Courses Program’s Award of Excellence. The award is handed out to two meritorious students every year by each post-secondary institution. Perhaps one day we will see the names of our students among those receiving this award.