The History of Auburn House

Auburn House was founded in 1984 as a multi-cultural school for 3-6 year olds. In 1988 it opened its first full-time primary class and now caters for children from preschool to senior primary levels.

In 2001, an informal alliance was made with Cedar House, a thriving secondary school in Kenilworth which upholds similar values, and those pupils who move there have established a fine reputation for all-round ability and excellent achievemnt.

A close association has also been established with the School of Practical Philosophy, Cape Town, which supports and encourages Auburn House School’s aims, approach and activities. The resources and skills offered under their auspices have allowed Auburn House to make significant growth, expand facilities and enrich the curriculum.

The Training Centre

Auburn House is also an established Montessori Training Centre, which provides Diploma courses for preschool teachers and in-house and outreach programmes for classroom assistants and caregivers.

Outreach Projects

Auburn House is also involved with child-centered outreach and community projects.

 

  Montessori Education

The Montessori approach is essentially practical, flexible and specifically suited to a child’s environment and needs within its own community. The aim is to develop in each child a natural love of learning and the practical skills necessary for future competence in life. The approach builds confidence and self-respect, responsibility and care for others and the environment.

Montessori schools flourish in countries all over the world – in rural and urban, disadvantaged and privileged communities. The Montessori training equips educators to establish learning environments which are useful and effective for large groups of children of mixed ages and abilities, and to monitor and guide the individual’s development and learning within them.

The number of  Montessori schools in the Western Cape has grown from one in 1979 to over 60 at present, which currently educate nearly 4000 children in any one year.