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HISTORY 

Riverlands School first commenced operations on 28th January 1991, in historic "Cornwall House", Middle Swan.

In July 1998, the school relocated to Whiteman Park for 5 years.

In 2004 it moved to its new permanent site at Arthur Street, West Swan.

The Foundation Principal was Mrs Liz Marcus who led the school from its inception in 1991. Dr. Lesley Payne served as interim leader from January 2005 and Mrs Patti Benjamin commenced as Principal in June 2005, Our current Principal is Mrs Ineke Oliver, who commenced in February 2008.

REMARKABLE RESULTS

Riverlands School follows the education philosophy of Dr Maria Montessori (1870-1953), who was one of the most influential educators of the 20th century. Maria Montessori developed a method of education based on the observation of children. Her method attracted world wide attention and acclaim because of its remarkable results with children. Dr Montessori believed that education should begin from birth. The first six years of life during which 80% of our learning occurs, are the most important. It is during this time that a child's powers of absorbtion are the highest and that attitudes and paterns of learning are laid.

SPECIAL SENSITIVITIES

Dr Montessori observed that children passed through successive stages of growth during which their development is guided by special sensitivities. These sensitive periods are recognised by the intense interest the child shows in certain experienses in their environment. Dr Montessori believed that these sensitive periods indicate needs in children which require fulfilment. Her greatest contribution to education was her creation of an education environment that assisted the child by meeting these inner needs. Such an environment does not encourage the use of rewards or punishments as motivators for childrens learning.

SELF CORRECTING

The classroom environment is orderly and contains a variety of developmental activities which are self correcting and demonstrate a specific concept or quality. These activities progress from simple to complex and from concrete to abstract. The child is introduced to the materials and chooses activities according to his/her inner need. Younger children are able to proceed at their own pace. By attending to the child's motor, sensory and social functions the Montessori method aims to develop each child's concentration, self discipline, orderliness, desire to learn independence and sociability.