High School (Years 7-12)

Sydney Montessori School, (‘SMS’) is an innovative K-12 education provider located within the Sutherland Shire.  SMS is also an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, authorised to offer the prestigious International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP).

Sydney Montessoeri School is a Candidate School* for the Career-related Programme. This school is pursuing authorisation as an IB World School. These are schools that share a common philosophy—a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education that SMS believes is important for our students.

*Only schools authorized by the IB Organization can offer any of its four academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme, or the Career-related Programme (CP). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorisation will be granted. For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit www.ibo.org

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is internationally recognised for its academic rigour and its commitment to developing critical thinking, global awareness, and intellectual curiosity. Through the IB’s challenging and holistic curriculum, Sydney Montessori School is proud to offer students a world-class education that prepares them for success in higher education and in an increasingly interconnected world.

The philosophy of the IB Diploma Programme aligns closely with the educational values of Maria Montessori, particularly in its emphasis on individualised learning, self-directed inquiry, and the cultivation of a lifelong love of learning. Just as Montessori education nurtures the unique potential of every child, the IB encourages students to become compassionate, reflective, and independent thinkers who are equipped to make meaningful contributions to society. By combining the strengths of both educational approaches, we are committed to developing well-rounded young people who are curious, globally minded, and prepared to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

The International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IB CP) is an internationally recognised senior secondary qualification designed for students aged 16–19 who wish to combine academic studies with practical, career-related learning. Developed by the International Baccalaureate Organisation, the CP integrates at least two IB Diploma Programme subjects with a career-related study pathway and a distinctive CP core focused on personal and professional skills, service learning, language development, and a reflective project.

The CP programme is designed to prepare students for university, further training, and employment by fostering academic achievement alongside practical skills, intercultural understanding, ethical decision-making, and independent learning.

While pathways for IB CP students to access university entry have previously existed on a case-by-case or portfolio basis, NSW tertiary institutions have recently approved pathways that allow eligible CP students studying approved courses to obtain an ATAR. This development provides an additional pathway for Year 12 students to gain direct access to relevant university programmes while also supporting pathways into vocational education and training, including TAFE, as well as employment opportunities.

As a newly approved Candidate School for the IB CP, our team is already actively engaged in the next phase of the authorisation process. This includes the development of course materials, staff professional learning, and ongoing consultation with parents and the School Board. Subject to the successful completion of this process, we hope to achieve full authorisation within the next 7–12 months.

Sydney Montessori School is already fully authorised to deliver the IB Diploma Programme, a highly regarded academic pathway that provides students with access to tertiary institutions throughout Australia and internationally. Together, the IB DP and IB CP will enable the School to offer a broad range of educational pathways tailored to the diverse strengths, interests, and aspirations of our students.

Our approach aims to develop knowledgeable caring and inquisitive young people with a global perspective. We encourage our students to become creative, critical and reflective thinkers. Students will not only be academically challenged but will be personally nurtured to prepare them for the future and to contribute to a global society.

Our approach:

• Based upon Method rather than Content

• Promotes individual inquiry and study

• Child-centred (rather than teacher-centred)

• Promotes social and community behaviour

• Promotes children’s education for peace

• We believe in self-discipline and an integral sense of purpose

• Encourages diversity leading to global perspectives

• Promotes balance and harmony in the individual

Join us on this exciting journey as we continue to foster the next generation of global leaders and thinkers!