Melbourne Montessori College - Brighton Campus
Welcome to Melbourne Montessori College - Brighton
Melbourne Montessori College (MMC) is a highly regarded, thriving independent school with two Melbourne campuses in Brighton and Caulfield.
Our school caters for children from 18 months right through to Senior School where our students graduate with an International Baccalaureate (IB) or can select the VCE VM program.
The Montessori method is founded on the idea that children learn best when they are free to explore and learn at their own pace, in an environment that is specifically prepared and designed to support their development.
In a Montessori classroom, children are encouraged to be self-directed learners and to take an active role in their own education. The teacher serves as a guide and facilitator and provides a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters creativity, independence, and a love of learning.
Melbourne Montessori College has been awarded The Educator’s Most Innovative School for two years in a row.
Cycle 3 (Years 4-6)
In Cycle 3 (Years 4, 5 and 6), children engage in a rich curriculum covering subjects such as geography, history, language, mathematics and the sciences. Montessori materials continue to play a pivotal role in facilitating hands-on learning experiences.
Children progress from concrete to abstract thinking, cultivating a profound understanding of concepts. The interdisciplinary approach encourages connections between subjects, nurturing a holistic comprehension of the world and igniting a passion for exploration and knowledge.
In addition to academic pursuits, Cycle 3 places a strong emphasis on social and emotional development. Children collaborate on projects, take on leadership roles, and engage in community-building activities.
The Montessori environment nurtures a sense of responsibility, respect and empathy, empowering students to become compassionate global citizens. Mixed-age classrooms provide opportunities for mentorship, creating a supportive community where older children guide and inspire their younger peers.
As children approach the end of their Cycle 3 Montessori journey, the focus extends beyond the academic to preparing them for the transition to secondary education. We equip children with essential life skills, problem-solving abilities and a genuine love for learning, laying a robust foundation for their continued educational and personal growth.
The culmination of Cycle 3 reflects the school’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals, ready to embrace future challenges.
Cycle 4 (Years 7-8)
Welcome to Cycle 4, the Montessori adolescent program for Years 7 and 8 (ages 12 to 14), where we support students through the crucial transition into adulthood. Our passionate teachers spark curiosity and challenge students to ask more of themselves. Within a secure, supportive community, students are encouraged to explore, grow and begin to chart their own paths in life.
Adolescence is a time of intense social, emotional and physical development. Our flexible, relevant and hands-on approach helps students develop as practical learners, independent thinkers and global citizens who are balanced, curious and capable of lifelong learning.
Students engage in real-world, experiential learning that links theory with practice. They might build bicycles to explore gear ratios or create documentaries with veterans to deepen their understanding of history. Through this approach, they see the relevance and purpose of what they are learning.
With a focus on creativity and innovation, students become self-motivated and responsible learners. A broad curriculum encourages independence, with opportunities for imagination and discovery across subjects such as Creative Expression, Design and Digital Technologies. Many students develop micro-businesses, design and improve their environments, or pursue personal projects based on their passions.
Students also explore their place in the world through meaningful collaboration with peers, teachers and mentors. They volunteer in aged care homes, support Indigenous Montessori schools, and take part in community initiatives. These experiences help build empathy, responsibility and social awareness.
Throughout this journey, students build resilience, self-discipline and confidence. They learn to set goals, solve problems and navigate the emotional ups and downs of adolescence, all within a respectful and caring school community.
By taking ownership of their learning and following their unique interests and strengths, students become curious, capable and confident individuals, well prepared for the next stage of their education and life beyond school.
Cycle 5 (Years 9 - 10)
Cycle 5 at Melbourne Montessori College offers a diverse range of programs designed to cater to the unique needs of every student as they progress through secondary school.
Building upon the foundations of Cycle 4, Cycle 5 begins in Year 9 where students embark on a journey of learning Australian Curriculum subjects that are directly applicable to real-world scenarios. This establishes a meaningful connection between theoretical knowledge and practical applications.
Our curriculum, guided by the Montessori philosophy, blends experiential and academic learning, empowering students with a high level of agency, independence and self-direction in their education. Students participate in a variety of activities facilitated by external experts and benefit from their expertise and diverse skill sets.
The studies in Year 9 and Year 10 are preparation for two distinct pathways: the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and the VCE (VM) program. These equip students with the knowledge, skills and mindset to excel in their chosen path, whether pursuing an internationally recognised diploma or engaging in a specialised career-oriented program.
At MMC, Cycle 5 fosters a dynamic and engaging learning environment, where students are encouraged to explore, discover and thrive as they navigate towards a successful and fulfilling future.
Occupations Program (Years 7 - 10)
The Occupations program at Melbourne Montessori College is a key part of our adolescent curriculum, offering students in Years 7 to 10 meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom. Grounded in Montessori principles, the program is designed to foster independence, practical skills and a strong sense of purpose.
Occupations run one day per week and allow students to engage in real-world, project-based learning. At MMC, students participate in a diverse range of Occupations including Robotics and Coding, Textiles, Content Creation, Horticulture, Hospitality, Bike Education and Theatre Production. These areas are selected to provide both variety and depth, helping students explore interests, develop skills and understand how different disciplines connect.
Each Occupation connects key curriculum areas such as mathematics, science, technology, the arts and humanities with practical tasks that have real outcomes. For example, students in Horticulture design and maintain garden spaces while learning about sustainability and biology. Those in Hospitality plan menus, prepare food and operate a student café, gaining valuable life and business skills.
In Robotics and Coding, students develop computational thinking and problem-solving abilities. Students in Content Creation work on digital storytelling, video production and communication. Theatre Production offers opportunities for both performance and backstage work, encouraging teamwork, creativity and project management. Textiles and Bike Education build fine motor skills, design thinking and confidence through tangible outcomes.
Throughout the program, students take responsibility for their learning, collaborate with peers and reflect on their progress. Teachers act as mentors, supporting students as they set goals, manage their time and build resilience through feedback and revision.
The MMC Occupations program helps students see themselves as capable, creative contributors. It prepares them not only for academic achievement but for life, through purposeful, relevant and empowering learning experiences.
Cycle 6 (Years 11-12) , VCE VM and International Baccalaureate
VCE VM
The VCE VM is available to Year 11 and 12 students who wish to pursue vocational studies that will develop high-level employment related skills and knowledge, broaden their personal skills and prepare them for entrance into the workplace.
The VCE VM incorporates studies in the Victorian Certificate of Education Vocational Major (VCE VM) and Vocational Education and Training (VET). The program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge that they will need to succeed and thrive.
Students will participate in collaborative projects, work placements, community service and physical expression activities provide practical, hands-on experience and develops well-balanced adults ready to take on the next stage of their learning journey.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma is a two-year curriculum that fosters high academic standards and international understanding. It is recognised by Australian tertiary institutions and major universities worldwide as the gold standard in university preparation.
Offering more than just academic knowledge, the learner and their personal development are central to the IB Diploma Programme. Students explore and develop their intellectual, emotional and ethical attributes with the IB Learner Profile and develop an excellent breadth and depth of academic knowledge.
The IB Diploma programme encourages students across the globe to become active and compassionate lifelong learners. The core values and education philosophy of IB are in harmony with the Montessori philosophy; the development of engaged, empowered, and independent learners.