Elementary 2
Elementary 2 at International Montessori School Sotogrande is the second half of the Elementary years, for children aged 9 to 12. The individual work plan and research projects continue, with more depth and more autonomy, in Spanish, English and French. Hours run from 9:00 to 16:00, extendable to 17:00, with snack, lunch and the afternoon programme included.
- 9 to 12 years
- 9:00 to 16:00
- Spanish, English and French
Key facts
- Ages: 9 to 12 years, the second half of the Elementary programme.
- School day: 9:00 to 16:00, extendable to 17:00.
- Snack, lunch and afternoon programme included.
- Breakfast Club from 7:30 to 9:00. Drop-off runs from 8:30 to 9:00 and the doors close at 9:10.
- Languages: Spanish, English and French, with Spanish and English immersion in the classroom.
- Individual work plan, research projects and monthly outings.
- Accredited by AMI and NEASC and authorised by the Junta de Andalucía.
What a day looks like
In the last Elementary years a pupil is no longer satisfied with the fact itself: they want to know why, argue about it and defend a position. Elementary 2 uses that to ask for longer research and more demanding presentations.
The work plan stays individual and agreed with the guide, but it covers longer periods and calls for better self-organisation. Pupils analyse their own work, recognise their mistakes and correct them, which is the basis of Montessori self-evaluation.
Group work carries more weight: tasks are shared, leadership rotates and the older children support the younger ones in the environment. Monthly outings and projects usually close with a presentation to the group.
What your child works on
How children are assessed
Assessment is continuous and practical: presentations and public speaking, oral exams, interviews and written tests, shows and performances, real-world applications of what has been learned, and the guide's daily observation. Pupils analyse their own work to recognise and correct mistakes, so that failure becomes a learning opportunity. Families receive weekly and termly reports, plus tutorials.
Frequently asked questions
What changes compared with Elementary 1?
The age of the group, 9 to 12, and what is expected of the pupil. The timetable, meals and afternoon programme are the same. In Elementary 2 projects run longer, research is more independent and presentations are more demanding.
How does Elementary 2 prepare a child for secondary school?
It trains exactly what tends to be hardest afterwards: working to your own plan, researching without being told each step, sustaining a long piece of work to the end and defending it in public. The programme combines Montessori pedagogy with curriculum content.
How is a child assessed without constant exams?
Through daily observation, the work plan, project presentations and both oral and written tests. The goal is for the pupil to know where they stand and what is missing, not to rank them against the group. Families receive weekly and termly reports.
What are the hours and what do they include?
9:00 to 16:00, extendable to 17:00. Snack, lunch and the afternoon programme are included. A Breakfast Club runs from 7:30 to 9:00.
Can a child join Elementary 2 from another school?
Yes. Each case is assessed with an interview and an observation day. If a pupil needs curricular adaptations we ask the family for the relevant documentation so the situation can be reviewed carefully before starting.
Come and see Elementary 2 at work
Book a 30-minute visit and watch the pupils researching and presenting their work.
