Our philosophy of education
Mimosa is a school inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach. What this means in terms of our teaching and learning practice is that our curriculum draws on our immediate context, children’s interests, and what we as a learning community believe to be important. Children and teachers research the world together, and areas of investigation often have a connecting theme – like movement, identity, citizenship, or storytelling. As children explore and develop their ideas, they’re encouraged to express themselves through a variety of creative media – through drawing, light and shadow, dance, music, clay, painting (what we call ‘the 100 languages’ of children). Part of the teacher’s role is to document these investigations and share this documentation so that children, teachers and parents can all be active participants in the learning process.
MORE ABOUT REGGIO EMILIA
Reggio Emilia is an approach to learning that started in
parent-run preschools built from the ruins of World War II in Reggio Emilia, Italy. Known today for incredibly innovative preschools and infant-toddler centres, Reggio Emilia is a source of inspiration for schools all over the globe.
This rights-based approach emphasises all children’s intelligence, potential and curiosity. It fosters skills of critical enquiry, collaboration, creativity and empathy – keys to success in the 21st century – and builds community and strong alliances between children, teachers and parents.
Reggio Emilia’s rich history of friendship with liberation movements in Southern Africa – including a pact of solidarity with the ANC, signed by Oliver Tambo in 1977 – has meant the educational approach has found fertile ground in local soil.
Find out more about Reggio Emilia-inspired education in South Africa:
Find out more about the source of our inspiration from Reggio Emilia itself:
