Pupils of the Madrasah-Montessori Learning Center (MMLC) for school year 2009-2010 will have the first hand opportunity of using the brand-new, air-conditioned, 2-classroom facility of the school. Located behind the chalet-type offices of the CMM Headquarters along Maharlika Road in Upper Bicutan, Taguig (bordering Maharlika Village) the simple structure boosts of wide floor area for the Montessori activities. Despite having a limited number of pupils per class (20), the Montessori Curriculum requires a big space to fully implement its daily activities and to house the materials of the prepared environment, a vital component in a Montessori classroom. A wide open space, provided for outdoor children’s activities, is also part of the school’s facilities.

   A first in the country, MMLC combines the Montessori curriculum (adapted from the OB Montessori Pagsasarili Program) with Madrasah education implemented by the Department of Education. The Montessori curriculum includes the five major subject areas: Practical Life, Sensorial Arts, Language, Mathematics and Cultural Life (Science, Social Studies, Geography, Botany, Zoology). The daily work plan is divided into: Individual Work Period, News Sharing Activities, and Collective Lessons on the five areas mentioned. Islamic Values and Arabic Language are handled by qualified Muslim teachers and Ulama (Islamic Scholars). School officials recently underwent an Enhancement Course to keep up with the current trend in Montessori Education. This is in addition to the Basic Training in 2006. Both trainings were done at the OB Montessori Headquarters in Greenhills headed by Ambassador Preciosa Soliven (concurrently Secretary General of UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines).

    See the gallery for more pictures.