Exciting News for Montessori Schools: Dominating the Creative Edge Competition!
The Perth Montessori community is abuzz with excitement following this year’s Creative Edge competition. Out of the 15 schools that competed in the Science Engineering category, only three spots were awarded for the state finals—and incredibly, all three places went to Montessori Schools.
Casa Mia Montessori School taking two of those places with Team 1 and 2 and Chrysalis Montessori School proudly securing the other space in the finals, making it an all-Montessori showdown for the second consecutive year. Chrysalis Montessori School claimed victory in the 2024 State finals for the Science Engineering division, for the third year in a row, and all of the children had a great deal of fun, showcasing the growth and development of essential practical life skills.
A Celebration of Creative Problem-Solving
The Creative Edge competition is a platform that encourages students to think outside the box, approach challenges from multiple angles, and collaborate effectively. With categories such as; language and literature, social sciences and engineering and science, the competition fosters creative thinking and problem-solving skills in young minds.
Casa Mia Montessori and Chrysalis Montessori have demonstrated the strength of Montessori education in cultivating these skills. Montessori students across the globe thrive in environments that promote independent exploration, hands-on learning, and critical thinking. These characteristics align with the goals of Creative Edge, where participants are challenged to devise innovative solutions to complex problems.
The Montessori Advantage: Nurturing Creativity and Critical Thinking
Montessori classrooms are designed to empower students to become independent thinkers. With a focus on self-directed learning, students are encouraged to explore their interests, ask questions, and find solutions in their own unique ways. This freedom to learn at their own pace fosters deep engagement and a love for discovery—key components of creative and critical thinking.
Montessori education emphasises:
Collaboration over competition: Students work in mixed-age groups, learning from and teaching each other. This fosters a strong sense of teamwork, as seen in the Creative Edge competition where collaboration is a cornerstone of success.
Hands-on learning: Montessori’s multi-sensory approach allows students to learn by doing, which enhances their understanding and ability to apply concepts to real-world challenges.
Autonomy and responsibility: From an early age, Montessori students are given the freedom to choose their learning activities, which builds intrinsic motivation and problem-solving skills. In competitions like Creative Edge, this translates to students taking ownership of their ideas and confidently presenting their solutions.
Integrated learning: Montessori’s holistic curriculum bridges science, arts, math, and social studies. This interdisciplinary approach enables students to make connections across subjects—skills vital for success in a competition that spans multiple fields of study.1
The Path to Future Innovators
The success of Casa Mia and Chrysalis in the Creative Edge competition is more than just a win for Montessori schools; it’s a reflection of how this education model prepares students to thrive in a world that values creativity, innovation, and adaptability. The students from these schools are not just excelling in a single discipline—they’re demonstrating how to apply broad knowledge, work collaboratively, and approach problems creatively.
As we celebrate the achievements of these Montessori students, we also celebrate the power of Montessori education to nurture the leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers of tomorrow.
Congratulations to Casa Mia and Chrysalis Montessori Schools for their outstanding performances, and best wishes as they continue to inspire and lead in the Creative Edge competition and beyond!
Written By Samantha Leyton
