Alongside strong foundations in literacy and numeracy, we are deeply committed to developing the whole child. This is why life competencies are intentionally woven into every aspect of learning and school life at Rowntree.Our approach is guided by the International Schools Partnership Big Five Life Competencies and the fifteen sub-skills that support them. These competencies provide a shared language for learning, growth, and reflection across all grades and subject areas, helping students understand not only what they are learning, but how they are learning.Life competencies are closely connected to our monthly school values, which are highlighted throughout the year. Each value is introduced, discussed, and revisited during classroom conversations, assemblies, and daily routines. Morning announcements regularly reinforce the monthly value, helping students make meaningful connections between these competencies and their everyday actions at school.Assemblies, in-school events, and field trips offer authentic opportunities for students to practise life competencies in real-world contexts. Through collaboration, leadership, responsibility, and empathy, students experience these skills in action and learn how they apply beyond the classroom. These shared experiences strengthen our school community and support personal growth.Within classrooms, life competencies are intentionally embedded into lesson planning, units of study, and assessment practices. Teachers integrate skills such as communication, creativity, confidence, collaboration, and self-leadership into lessons across all subjects, including specialty areas such as art, music, physical education, and technology. Students are encouraged to reflect on their learning and recognize how these skills support both academic success and personal development.Teaching life competencies is essential in preparing students for a changing and complex world. These skills help students build resilience, think critically, work effectively with others, and approach challenges with confidence. At Rowntree, we believe that nurturing these competencies empowers students to become thoughtful learners, compassionate individuals, and responsible global citizens.Life competencies matter to Rowntree because they reflect our values, our Montessori philosophy, and our commitment to educating the whole child. They are not taught in isolation, but lived daily through our classrooms, conversations, and community. At Rowntree Montessori Schools, life competencies are at the heart of who we are and how we learn together.
